1 person dead, 2 others injured after explosion on sewage transport boat in Hudson River
WEST HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- One person was killed and two others were injured after an explosion onboard a sewage transport boat in the Hudson River.
It happened near 138th Street along the Hudson River aorund 10:30 a.m. Saturday on a New York City-owned motor vessel named Hunts Point.
Upon arrival, FDNY officials discovered that a large explosion occurred in one of the hulls on the boat. Workers for the city's Department of Environmental Protection were onboard the vessel that was docked at the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility on the Hudson, a sewage treatment plant.
A 59-year-old worker was killed after he was blown by the force of the explosion between the pier and the vessel itself. According to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, the victim was a veteran employee with 33 years of service with the agency.
"I hear like this boom. And I'm thinking something just hit the floor because trucks drop their load and cause vibrations throughout the park so that's what I'm thinking. As I get closer up here, I'm hearing there's an explosion to a boat on the west side of the park and I'm like that's what that was?" said David Simon.
Simon, a fellow public servant was driving a State Park shuttle bus and says he noticed a strange odor in the air.
"I'm like something is up, something is not right. Next thing you know -- boom," he added.
Two other workers on the boat were injured and taken to local hospitals for treatment.
"Due to the nature of the explosion, there was raw sewage on the deck. We had to decontaminate all FDNY personnel at this incident," said FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms.
In a social media post on X, the U.S. Coast Guard of NYC and Tri-State area said the incident was "reportedly linked to hot work aboard a docked boat."
Meanwhile, NYC Mayor Eric Adams released a statement following the incident:
"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."
The Mayor says no criminality is suspected.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation. ATF was also on the scene.
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