A worker was killed and two firefighters suffered minor injuries after an explosion sparked a large fire aboard a petroleum barge in Staten Islandâs Mariners Harbor on Thursday afternoon.
The explosion was reported shortly after 2:30 p.m. on September 10 aboard the docked barge Casablanca at 3249 Richmond Terrace, between South and Arlington avenues, according to fire officials.
Investigators believe the explosion originated inside a container on the barge before flames spread through the vessel. Videos recorded nearby showed thick black smoke rising above the North Shore waterfront as emergency crews converged on the industrial site.
More than 160 emergency personnel respond
The fire reached a second alarm at approximately 3:15 p.m. More than 50 FDNY units and approximately 160 firefighters, emergency medical workers and hazardous-materials specialists were deployed.
A worker was subsequently found dead aboard the barge, ABC7 New York reported, citing officials. The victimâs identity had not been publicly released as of the latest update.
Two firefighters sustained minor injuries during the response. Authorities said all other employees at the waterfront facility were accounted for, and no additional civilian injuries were reported.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control shortly before 5 p.m., but FDNY and Hazmat personnel remained at the scene to contain petroleum and ensure there was no danger of another ignition.
Drivers were advised to expect emergency activity and possible restrictions near Richmond Terrace and Arlington Avenue while crews continued operating at the site.
Second deadly Richmond Terrace blast in months
Thursdayâs incident occurred less than four months after a separate explosion at a shipyard farther along Richmond Terrace killed a worker and injured dozens of people, most of them emergency responders.
The May explosion was later linked to the ignition of flammable vapors from industrial-grade paint inside a confined space. Authorities have not indicated that the two incidents are connected.
The latest Staten Island explosion follows several serious incidents recently reported across the United States, including a fatal Tesla crash in Midtown Manhattan and the Getty Fire near Californiaâs 405 Freeway.
The cause of the Casablanca barge explosion remains under investigation by fire marshals. Officials have not yet disclosed what petroleum product was inside the affected container or what work was underway immediately before the blast.
This article will be updated if authorities identify the worker or release additional findings.
News sources: ABC7 New York and New York Post.
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