A fire at a Staten Island dockyard sparked a massive explosion that left 16 people — including 13 firefighters and two emergency medics — hospitalized on Friday, according to the FDNY. At least three people suffered serious injuries.
Firefighters responding to reports of two workers workers trapped in a confined space at the drydock located in Mariners Harbor found a fire burning in the basement of a metal structure at the rear of the facility around 3:30 p.m., fire officials said.
Slightly more than 50 minutes later — as smoke eaters were still battling the inferno at the Richmond Terrace dockyard near Andros Ave., which had risen to a two-alarm fire — the building was suddenly rocked by an explosion that fire officials described as “major.”
An injured FDNY firefighter is taken to an ambulance after an explosion and fire at a shipyard on Richmond Terrace between Lockman and Andros Aves. on Staten Island on Friday, May 22, 2026. (Rose Abuin / New York Daily News)
One civilian and two firefighters suffered serious injuries. Two firefighters suffered moderate injuries, while nine firefighters and two medics received minor injuries. All injured parties were transported to local hospitals.
More than 200 firefighters and emergency medical personnel from 68 units were at the site early Friday evening, as the response to the fire remained ongoing, according to the FDNY.
The cause of the fire and explosion is still under investigation.
Richard Oviogor, who was in the area, told WABC-TV that he heard two explosions and what seemed like a “big shock wave.”
The area is home to several businesses, including a coffee roasting company and a self-storage facility. The shipyard used to be owned by the Bethlehem Steel Company, which built ships for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
With News Wire Services
Emergency responders are pictured after an explosion and fire at a shipyard on Richmond Terrace between Lockman and Andros Aves. on Staten Island on Friday, May 22, 2026. (Rose Abuin / New York Daily News)
The scene after an explosion and fire at a shipyard on Richmond Terrace between Lockman and Andros Aves. on Staten Island on Friday, May 22, 2026. (Rose Abuin / New York Daily News)