One dead and two injured after sewage boat explodes on river
The fatal explosion occured just a week after a Mexican Navy vessel collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuring nearly twenty others
One man has died after an explosion on a boat carrying raw sewage that was docked on the Hudson River in New York City on Saturday morning, authorities said.
The tragic explosion just off Henry Hudson Parkway near 138th Street, resulted in one fatality and left two others with injuries. The incident unfolded around 10:30am on Saturday aboard the New York City-owned motor vessel "Hunts Point", city Fire Department Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms said at a news conference.
The men on the boat were doing work involving a flame or sparks when the explosion occurred, the U.S. Coast Guard said on social media. On arrival, FDNY crews were met with the aftermath of a substantial blast in the ship's hull. The boat takes raw sewage to be treated, Simms said. The explosion happened near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant.
First responders answering a 911 call found a 59-year-old man unconscious in the river, and he was declared dead at the scene, New York police said. His name has not been released, but the New York City Department of Environmental Protection said the man had worked for the agency for 33 years. DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala described the man in a statement as "a valued and experienced member' of the agency.
The blast spread raw sewage over the deck of the boat, and firefighters and other first responders had to be decontaminated, Simms said. DEP said there did not appear to be any environmental impacts following the explosion, reports the Mirror US.
The barge, operated by the Department of Environmental Protection, was transferring untreated sewage to a treatment establishment when the explosion happened. Hazardous material units were called in to cleanse the craft, assess methane gas levels, and manage sludge and oil spills in the river.
Despite the horrific circumstances, Mayor Eric Adams announced that no criminal activity was suspected, and that the facility remained unaffected by the event. "This devoted public servant gave 33 years of service to New York City, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this painful time," Adams remarked about the employee who passed away.
He further noted: "We are committed to fully supporting an investigation and ensuring that every possible measure is taken to prevent such tragedies in the future."
The Bureau of Fire Investigation is on the case to find out what caused the explosion. The U.S. Coast Guard for NYC and the Tri-State area hinted on social media that the blast was "reportedly linked to hot work aboard a docked boat.
The deadly explosion happened just one week after a Mexican Navy vessel smashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, causing the deaths of two sailors and injuring close to twenty other people.
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