UMVA has learned that a devastating explosion and fire ripped through a Staten Island shipyard on Friday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake.
At least 16 people were injured in the blast, including a civilian and 11 first responders, with several suffering serious injuries. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, and their conditions are being closely monitored.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the incident began when authorities received a distress call at 3:27 p.m. local time, reporting that workers were trapped in a confined space at 3075 Richmond Terrace. The call sparked a rapid response from emergency services, who arrived on the scene to find a fire burning in the basement of a large metal building.
A second alarm was sounded at 4:08 p.m., but just 11 minutes later, a massive explosion tore through the site, sending shockwaves through the area. The blast triggered a massive emergency response, with 68 units and 212 fire and EMS personnel deployed to combat the blaze.
The FDNY sprang into action, with operations still ongoing as teams worked to bring the fire under control. New York City HazMat teams, the Department of Buildings, and the Department of Environmental Protection were all notified and are involved in the response efforts.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the explosion has sparked widespread concern, with New York Attorney General Letitia James taking to social media to express her sympathy for those affected. "I’m praying for the firefighters and everyone injured after the explosion in Staten Island today," she wrote. "Thank you to the FDNY for their swift response and for protecting New Yorkers every day."
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, and officials are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the blast. For now, the focus remains on supporting those affected and bringing the situation under control.
