MARINERS HARBOR, Staten Island — A violent explosion aboard a docked petroleum barge on Thursday afternoon has left one worker dead and two firefighters injured, prompting a massive emergency response in the Mariners Harbor section of Staten Island.
The incident occurred just after 2:30 p.m. at 3249 Richmond Terrace, situated between South and Arlington avenues. According to the FDNY, the explosion originated within a container on the “Casablanca,” a petroleum barge currently docked at the industrial site. The blast immediately ignited a fire, sending thick smoke billowing over the waterfront and triggering a swift mobilization of city resources.
By 3:15 p.m., the fire had been upgraded to a second-alarm blaze as more than 50 units and 160 personnel—comprised of fire, EMS, and specialized HAZMAT teams—rushed to the scene to contain the threat and prevent a potential environmental disaster.
Tragically, officials confirmed that one worker was discovered deceased on the barge. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim, pending notification of next of kin. Two firefighters were also reported injured during the operation; officials described their conditions as minor. Fortunately, all other workers present on the vessel at the time of the explosion have been accounted for.
For local residents, the sound of the blast was hauntingly familiar. One neighbor, who captured video of the aftermath for the Citizen App, described the feeling of the explosion shaking her entire home. Expressing a sense of unease, she noted that the community is still recovering from another fatal shipyard explosion that occurred nearby just this past May. “Not again,” she remarked, highlighting the growing concerns regarding safety protocols at the area’s industrial waterfront.
As of Thursday evening, the FDNY reported that the fire has been brought under control. However, the scene remains active. HAZMAT crews continue to work on the barge to assess the integrity of the remaining containers and ensure there is no lingering risk of further hazardous material leaks or secondary explosions.
The cause of the initial blast remains under investigation. While the immediate danger to the public has subsided, the presence of emergency personnel is expected to continue for several hours as investigators piece together what led to the fatal malfunction on the Casablanca.
The shipyard has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. As the investigation progresses, local authorities are urging residents to avoid the area near Richmond Terrace to allow for the continued movement of emergency equipment and technical cleanup crews. Further updates are expected as the investigation into the fatality and the source of the ignition continues.
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