More than a dozen people were injured, including firefighters, following an explosion and fire at a shipyard on Staten Island, according to the FDNY officials.<\/p>\n
It happened at 3075 Richmond Terrace between Lockman Avenue and Andros Avenue.<\/p>\n
The FDNY says they received a report of workers trapped around 3:30 p.m., and a fire in the back of shipyard, followed by a major explosion around 4:20 p.m.<\/p>\n
According to reports, workers were at the back of the shipyard doing work in a confined space near a dry dock when the fire broke out. It was a specialized basin area where ships can rest on dry land.<\/p>\n
Officials say had begun working to extinguish the fire when the explosion happened.<\/p>\n
At least 16 people were injured. Among the most severely injured was a civilian, believed to be a worker, and two firefighters, who suffered serious injuries. Two firefighters suffered moderate injuries, and nine firefighters and two EMS members suffered minor injuries. They were taken to area hospitals.<\/p>\n
Police sources told Eyewitness News that a worker may still be unaccounted for.<\/p>\n
Several firefighters issued maydays while battling the blaze. They have all been located and are being treated.<\/p>\n
People who live in the area came out of their homes and were shaken by what they saw and and heard.<\/p>\n
“We saw a bunch of fire trucks and I heard someone say every single fire truck and police officer on the entire island was over here,” said witness Richard Obiozor. “A couple minutes later, a massive explosion, shock wave came in and a person in a white suit, I think the captain, said ‘back up.'”<\/p>\n
It’s not clear yet what caused the explosion and fire.<\/p>\n
Officials are asking drivers to avoid the area amid road closures due to the emergency response.<\/p>\n
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