An explosion and fire at a Staten Island shipyard resulted in one fatality and injured over 30 people, mostly from the New York City Fire Department, on May 22, 2026. The incident occurred at around 3:30 p.m. in the Mariners Harbor neighborhood. The fire ignited in the basement of a metal structure on Richmond Terrace, and officials confirmed that the deceased was a civilian.
New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore reported the injuries, which included at least 34 FDNY members, a critically hurt fire marshal, and a seriously injured firefighter. FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito stated that an explosion happened during search, rescue, and firefighting operations, injuring multiple firefighters inside and near the structure. All victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Explosion Under Investigation
Bonsignore noted the challenging conditions faced by the crews, including heavy smoke and low visibility. They learned that two workers were trapped in the basement. Esposito highlighted the dangers of confined space operations, emphasizing the risk to rescuers. The fire quickly escalated to two alarms, with the explosion occurring shortly after responders arrived. Over 200 first responders were dispatched to the scene.
As the fire grew, first responders did what they always do. They ran towards danger so others could escape to safety,
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani remarked.
Eyewitnesses reported the explosion, with one resident describing a loud noise while driving near the area. Although the fire was controlled around 7:20 p.m., the cause of the explosion remains undetermined.
FDNY Members Recovering
The injured fire marshal suffered head trauma, including a small fracture and a brain bleed, and was intubated at the hospital. Another firefighter, initially in serious condition, was stable by Friday evening. A doctor from Staten Island University Hospital mentioned the potential damage from blast energy in confined spaces, but thankfully, these firefighters did not sustain penetrating injuries.
Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella expressed his gratitude for the first responders and urged everyone to pray for their recovery. He affirmed the excellence of the FDNY and EMS, commending their dedication.
Tonight I visited a firefighter in serious condition, as well as the family of a fire marshal who remains in critical condition. I ask every New Yorker to keep those injured — and their families — in your thoughts,
Mamdani stated.
Governor Kathy Hochul shared her condolences via a post, emphasizing coordination with state agencies to determine the explosion’s cause. The deceased civilian has not been identified, and another civilian sustained serious injuries.
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