One person was killed and more than 30 others were injured, mostly firefighters and EMS personnel, after a fire erupted and led to an explosion at a dry dock facility on Staten Island on Friday, May 22, 2026. The incident occurred at a facility on Richmond Terrace in Mariners Harbor, prompting a massive emergency response involving more than 200 first responders.
The fire was first reported just before 3:30 p.m., with an explosion occurring approximately 45 minutes later while emergency crews were already on scene battling the blaze. The flames were brought under control by 8 p.m., according to officials.
Main Developments
The fire originated in the basement of a small metal structure located behind shipping docks at the dry dock facility. Two workers became trapped during the incident. FDNY units arrived at the scene within six minutes of the initial report, demonstrating rapid emergency response.
Two people were pulled from the affected area and transported to hospitals for treatment. The situation escalated when an explosion occurred roughly 45 minutes after the fire was first reported, injuring numerous first responders who were working to contain the blaze and rescue trapped workers.
More than a dozen firefighters were among those injured in the incident. Two first responders were taken to Staten Island University Hospital, including a fire marshal who was listed in critical condition and a firefighter in serious condition. Officials emphasized that neither of the injured responders had life-threatening injuries despite their conditions.
The emergency response was substantial, with 70 fire and EMS units deployed to the scene. In total, more than 200 first responders worked to address the emergency throughout the evening hours.
What We Know So Far
One civilian died from injuries sustained during the incident. The identity of the deceased has not been publicly released by authorities. More than 30 people were injured, with the majority being firefighters or EMS personnel who responded to the emergency.
The fire was contained to the basement of a small metal structure situated behind shipping docks at the Richmond Terrace facility. The cause of the fire and subsequent explosion has not been determined, and authorities have not released the name of the dry dock facility involved.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the incident, calling it a complex, fast-developing emergency situation. FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore was also involved in coordinating the response to the emergency.
The timeline of events began just before 3:30 p.m. when the fire was reported. Emergency crews arrived within six minutes. Approximately 45 minutes after the initial fire report, the explosion occurred. By 8 p.m., firefighters had brought the flames under control.
What Happens Next
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the fire and explosion at the dry dock facility. The investigation will likely focus on determining what sparked the initial fire and what led to the subsequent explosion that injured so many first responders.
The injured firefighters and EMS personnel will continue to receive medical treatment. Officials have confirmed that the two most seriously injured first responders, while in critical and serious condition respectively, are not facing life-threatening injuries.
Additional information regarding the identity of the deceased civilian may be released once proper notifications have been made. The type of work being conducted at the facility at the time of the incident has not been disclosed by authorities.
Important Details
The incident occurred at a dry dock facility located on Richmond Terrace in the Mariners Harbor neighborhood of Staten Island. Dry docks are facilities used for the construction, maintenance, and repair of ships and boats.
The response involved 70 fire and EMS units, reflecting the severity of the emergency. The rapid six-minute arrival time of FDNY units demonstrates the quick initial response, though the explosion that occurred later caught many first responders in the danger zone.
Among the injured, more than a dozen were firefighters. The fire marshal who remains in critical condition and the firefighter in serious condition are both receiving care at Staten Island University Hospital. Officials have been clear that despite the severity of their conditions, neither is expected to face life-threatening outcomes.
Two workers who were trapped in the basement of the structure were among those rescued. Both were pulled from the area and transported to hospitals, though their specific conditions have not been detailed by authorities.
Emergency Response Overview
The scale of the emergency response underscores the seriousness of the incident. With more than 200 first responders deployed and 70 fire and EMS units on scene, this represented one of the larger emergency responses on Staten Island in recent memory.
The explosion occurring while firefighters were actively battling the blaze resulted in the high number of first responder injuries. This type of secondary incident during firefighting operations presents significant dangers to emergency personnel.
The four-and-a-half-hour timeline from the initial fire report to flames being brought under control indicates the complexity of the firefighting operation. First responders worked through the evening hours to contain the blaze while also tending to injured colleagues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Staten Island dry dock explosion happen?
The explosion and fire occurred at a dry dock facility on Richmond Terrace in the Mariners Harbor neighborhood of Staten Island, New York City.
How many people were injured in the Staten Island explosion?
More than 30 people were injured, with the majority being firefighters and EMS personnel. More than a dozen firefighters specifically were among the injured.
What caused the Staten Island dry dock fire and explosion?
The cause of the fire and subsequent explosion has not been determined. Authorities have not released information about what may have sparked the initial fire or led to the explosion that occurred approximately 45 minutes later.
Were any first responders seriously hurt in the explosion?
Yes, a fire marshal was listed in critical condition and a firefighter in serious condition at Staten Island University Hospital. However, officials stated that neither had life-threatening injuries.
When did the Staten Island dry dock explosion happen?
The fire was reported just before 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026. The explosion occurred approximately 45 minutes after the initial fire report. The flames were brought under control by 8 p.m.
This remains a developing situation as investigators work to determine the cause of the fire and explosion. Authorities continue to monitor the conditions of the injured first responders and the civilian victim has been confirmed deceased. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by firefighters and emergency personnel responding to industrial fires and the unpredictable nature of such emergencies.
