Staten Island Barge Explosion Leaves Worker Dead, 2 Firefighters Injured

A worker was found dead and two firefighters suffered minor injuries after an apparent explosion and fire aboard the petroleum barge Casablanca in Staten Island, New York, on Thursday, September 10, officials said.

The incident happened shortly after 2:30 p.m. at 3249 Richmond Terrace, between South and Arlington avenues, in the Mariners Harbor neighborhood. Officials said all other workers had been accounted for.

Firefighters Knock Down Flames on Barge

More than 50 FDNY units responded, bringing approximately 160 firefighters, emergency medical workers and hazardous-materials personnel to the waterfront. The fire reached a second alarm around 3:15 p.m.

Crews extinguished the visible flames in both a shipping container and the barge. Emergency personnel remained at the scene securing the remaining petroleum.

The cause of the apparent explosion was not immediately known.

Traffic Alert Issued Near Richmond Terrace

Notify NYC issued an alert at 2:57 p.m., warning of traffic delays, road closures and a heavy emergency-services presence around Richmond Terrace and Arlington Avenue.

Drivers were advised to consider alternative routes and allow additional travel time while emergency crews operated in the area.