The person who died was a civilian, according to officials. One other civilian was injured, along with 34 FDNY members, including a fire marshal who is in critical condition and a firefighter who is in serious condition, officials said.
All of the victims were rushed to area hospitals.
Explosion under investigation
The fire broke out around 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time in the basement of a metal structure in the rear of a shipping dock, which is located on Richmond Terrace between Lockman and Andros avenues, FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said.
Bonsignore said responding crews were met with limited visibility and heavy smoke, and they were told two workers were trapped in the basement.
“Confined spaces are very dangerous operations for any rescuers,” FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito said.
The fire quickly grew to two alarms, and an explosion rang out at around 4:20 p.m., shortly after emergency responders arrived.
“I was coming down Richmond Terrace towards my house, and as I was driving close to this area right here, I heard an explosion, and I kind of jumped,” one area resident said. “I didn’t see any fire, but I did hear the explosion.”
“We had firefighters inside conducting searches and on top of the barge and adjacent to the barge,” Esposito said. “We had several that were injured.”
After the explosion, one civilian was found dead at the scene, officials said.
The fire has since been brought under control. Over 200 first responders were sent to scene.
The cause of the fire and explosion are unknown at this time.
FDNY members recovering
The fire marshal is currently intubated and suffered head trauma, including a small fracture and a brain bleed, officials said.
The firefighter arrived at the hospital in serious condition, but officials said he is doing “very well now” and is being observed to make certain there is no muscle injury.
The civilian who died has not yet been identified.
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