One person was killed and more than 30 others were injured after a fire led to an explosion at a dry dock facility in Staten Island on Friday, May 23, 2026. The incident, which occurred in the Mariners Harbor neighborhood, prompted a massive emergency response involving more than 200 first responders and left multiple firefighters hospitalized.
The fire was reported just before 3:30 p.m. at a facility on Richmond Terrace. Approximately 45 minutes later, an explosion occurred at the scene. Two workers were initially trapped in the basement of a small metal structure located behind shipping docks at the facility.
Main Developments
FDNY units arrived at the scene within six minutes of receiving the initial fire report. Despite the rapid response, the situation escalated when the explosion occurred roughly 45 minutes after firefighters began battling the blaze. The fire took place in the basement of a small metal structure positioned behind the shipping docks at the dry dock facility.
Among the injured, more than a dozen were firefighters or EMS personnel who had responded to the emergency. Two first responders required hospitalization at Staten Island University Hospital. A fire marshal was listed in critical condition, while a firefighter was reported in serious condition. Officials stated that neither of the critically injured responders had life-threatening injuries.
The emergency response was substantial. A total of 70 fire and EMS units were dispatched to Richmond Terrace, with more than 200 first responders ultimately arriving at the scene to combat the blaze and assist with rescue operations. Fire officials reported that the fire was brought under control by 8 p.m.
What We Know So Far
One civilian died from injuries sustained during the incident. The identity of the deceased has not been officially released. More than 30 people were injured in total, with the majority of those injured being firefighters or EMS personnel who responded to the emergency.
The fire originated in the basement of a small metal structure at the dry dock facility. Two workers were trapped in the basement when first responders arrived. FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani were among the officials involved in the response to the incident.
The timeline of events unfolded as follows: The fire was reported just before 3:30 p.m. on Friday. FDNY units arrived at the scene within six minutes. Approximately 45 minutes after the initial fire report, an explosion occurred. By 8 p.m., fire officials confirmed that the blaze was under control.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities have not released information about what may have triggered the initial blaze or the subsequent explosion.
What Happens Next
An investigation into the cause of the fire and explosion is expected as authorities work to determine what led to the incident at the dry dock facility. Officials have not yet released details about the identity of the civilian who died or provided updates on the condition of the injured first responders beyond the initial reports.
The dry dock facility on Richmond Terrace will likely remain a focus of investigators as they examine the circumstances surrounding the fire and explosion. Information about whether the two workers who were initially trapped were among the casualties has not been confirmed.
Important Details
The incident occurred at a dry dock facility located on Richmond Terrace in the Mariners Harbor section of Staten Island. Dry dock facilities are typically used for ship construction, repair, and maintenance operations.
The response to this emergency was one of the larger fire responses in recent memory for Staten Island, with 70 fire and EMS units and more than 200 first responders deployed to the scene. The six-minute response time by FDNY units demonstrates the rapid deployment of emergency services to the location.
Two first responders required transport to Staten Island University Hospital for treatment. While a fire marshal was listed in critical condition and a firefighter in serious condition, officials emphasized that neither had life-threatening injuries. The remaining injured personnel received treatment at the scene or at other medical facilities.
The fire burned for several hours before being brought under control at approximately 8 p.m., roughly four and a half hours after it was first reported. The metal structure where the fire originated was located in the basement area behind shipping docks at the facility.
Emergency Response Details
The scale of the emergency response reflected the seriousness of the incident. More than 200 first responders were deployed to the scene, working across 70 fire and EMS units. This level of response indicates the complexity and danger of the situation faced by emergency personnel.
The six-minute arrival time of the first FDNY units put firefighters on scene quickly, though the explosion that occurred approximately 45 minutes later created additional challenges and dangers for the responders already battling the blaze.
The fact that more than a dozen firefighters were among those injured underscores the hazardous conditions faced by emergency personnel during the incident. Fire operations at industrial facilities such as dry docks often present unique challenges due to the materials and equipment typically present at such locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were injured in the Staten Island dry dock explosion?
More than 30 people were injured in the incident. The majority of those injured were firefighters or EMS personnel who responded to the emergency. More than a dozen firefighters were among those hurt.
What caused the fire and explosion at the Staten Island dry dock?
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities have not released information about what triggered the initial blaze or the subsequent explosion that occurred approximately 45 minutes later.
Where did the Staten Island dry dock fire occur?
The fire occurred at a dry dock facility on Richmond Terrace in the Mariners Harbor neighborhood of Staten Island, New York City. The fire originated in the basement of a small metal structure located behind shipping docks at the facility.
How many first responders were sent to the Staten Island fire?
More than 200 first responders were at the scene, with 70 fire and EMS units deployed to the incident. FDNY units arrived within six minutes of the initial fire report.
The incident on Friday marked a tragic day for the Staten Island community and the first responders who rushed to the scene. One civilian lost their life, and dozens of emergency personnel were injured while working to control the blaze and rescue trapped workers. The fire was ultimately brought under control by 8 p.m., though the investigation into its cause continues.
