One Fatality, Two Firefighters Injured in Staten Island Barge Explosion
An explosion occurred on a barge in Mariners Harbor, Staten Island, resulting in one confirmed fatality and minor injuries to two firefighters. The incident, which prompted a hazmat response from the FDNY, took place on Thursday afternoon. Emergency personnel, totaling 160, responded to the scene on Richmond Terrace between South and Arlington avenues after the initial call at 2:37 p.m. and a second alarm at 3:18 p.m. Video footage from the scene shows significant damage, with the top of the barge torn open. Residents in the vicinity reported hearing three explosions, with the first being the most powerful, followed by a fire on a container aboard the barge. The fire has since been extinguished, and units remain on site to secure petroleum from the shipping container. The identity of the deceased individual has not yet been released, and the cause of death is unknown. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the blast and urged residents to avoid the immediate area.