An explosion Saturday morning aboard a sewage boat docked on New York Metropolis’s Hudson River killed one metropolis employee and injured two others, officers mentioned.
Three Division of Environmental Safety workers had been engaged on the vessel docked on the North River Wastewater Useful resource Restoration Facility in West Harlem when the explosion occurred at about 10:30 a.m. Japanese time, New York Metropolis Fireplace Division Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms informed reporters.
Video captured heavy black smoke billowing into the air.
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One DEP worker was pronounced lifeless on the scene of the explosion, Simms mentioned, which occurred close to one hundred and thirty fifth Road in Manhattan. Two others had been taken to space hospitals. There circumstances weren’t supplied.
“Upon arrival, models found a big explosion had occurred in one of many holds on the tank,” Simms mentioned. “This vessel transports uncooked sewage from New York Metropolis to the sewage therapy plant.”
The deceased sufferer “was blown by the drive of the explosion in between the pier and the vessel, itself,” Simms disclosed.
One one that was driving within the space informed CBS Information New York he felt the bottom shake.
“I scent one thing and I’m not figuring out precisely what it’s after which subsequent factor you realize, growth,” David Simon mentioned. “I am considering one thing simply hit the ground as a result of vans drop their load and trigger vibration all through the park. As I get nearer up right here, I am listening to there’s an explosion to a ship.”
Simms mentioned the reason for the explosion is below investigation. The U.S. Coast Guard wrote on X that the “incident” was “reportedly linked to scorching work aboard a docked boat.”
New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams mentioned in an announcement that, “At the moment, there isn’t any suspicion of criminality and no impression on the ability.”
NYC employee dies in boat explosion
DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala mentioned in an announcement the employee killed served town for greater than three many years. His identify was not instantly launched.
“Your entire DEP household is grieving right this moment,” Aggarwala mentioned, including, “He was a valued and skilled member of the Bureau of Wastewater Remedy, and his many years of service replicate his dedication to DEP’s mission.”
In his assertion, Adams mentioned that he was “devastated to listen to in regards to the tragic dying of a devoted Division of Environmental Safety worker who misplaced his life right this moment whereas engaged on a ship at considered one of our metropolis’s wastewater useful resource restoration services. This devoted public servant gave 33 years of service to New York Metropolis, and our hearts exit to his household, mates, and colleagues throughout this painful time.”
There doesn’t seem like any environmental impression from the explosion presently, a metropolis official informed CBS Information New York.
The U.S. Coast Guard wrote in a social media publish that no air pollution had been reported within the Hudson following the explosion, describing the “scenario as secure.”
The plant’s operations weren’t affected, officers mentioned.