24-05-2025
NYC DEP worker killed in boat explosion on Hudson River
A New York City worker was fatally injured Saturday in an explosion on a boat docked on the Hudson River.
Three NYC Department of Environmental Protection employees were working on a vessel docked at the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in West Harlem when the explosion occurred, a city official told CBS News New York.
One DEP employee was pronounced dead at the scene of the explosion at around 10 a.m. at the plant near 135th Street. A second worker taken to the hospital. A third refused treatment at the scene.
"The entire DEP family is grieving today. Our employee who lost his life had served the Department and the City with dedication for 33 years. He was a valued and experienced member of the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment, and his decades of service reflect his commitment to DEP's mission," NYC DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala said in a statement.
Mayor Eric Adams released a statement, saying, "I am devastated to hear about the tragic death of a dedicated Department of Environmental Protection employee who lost his life today while working on a boat at one of our city's wastewater resource recovery facilities. 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. At this time, there is no suspicion of criminality and no impact on the facility. The safety and well-being of our city's workforce, and all New Yorkers, is always our top priority, and we are committed to fully supporting an investigation and ensuring that every possible measure is taken to prevent such tragedies in the future."
While the cause of the accident is under investigation, there does not appear to be any environmental impacts at this time, the official said.
The plant's operations were not affected by the explosion.
