A tragic incident unfolded at a New York City shipyard on Friday when a fire and two explosions resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. Most of the 36 injured individuals were firefighters and other first responders, with one civilian losing their life at the scene.

During a news conference, Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the situation as a complex and rapidly evolving emergency. The fire department received multiple calls reporting smoke and two workers trapped in a metal structure measuring 150 feet by 150 feet (46 meters by 46 meters) at the shipyard’s rear.

Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore stated that firefighting and EMS crews arrived within six minutes. However, shortly after their arrival, an explosion occurred, causing severe injuries to several fire department members and some civilians, including the person who died at the scene.

A fire marshal and a firefighter inside the structure were critically injured by the energy wave of the second explosion. Dr. David Prezant, the fire department’s chief medical officer, explained that the fire marshal is in critical but stable condition with a fractured skull and small brain bleed. He mentioned that monitoring would continue to prevent brain swelling. The firefighter was in serious condition but had improved by Friday evening, being closely observed for potential muscle injuries.

More than 200 firefighters remained on the scene late into Friday night as the fire, though under control, still burned. Mayor Mamdani announced that a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire would commence as soon as possible.

Richard Oviogor, a witness, described hearing two explosions and experiencing a significant shock wave. The shipyard, formerly owned by the Bethlehem Steel Company, which built U.S. Navy ships during World War II, is situated among businesses such as a coffee roasting company and a self-storage facility.