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FDNY says deadly Staten Island shipyard explosion was accidental
By
Giulia Heyward
Published May 27, 2026
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Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images
By
Giulia Heyward
Published May 27, 2026
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A deadly explosion at a Staten Island shipyard last week was accidental, according to the FDNY.
The fire department said Wednesday that preliminary findings show flammable vapors from industrial-grade paint ignited inside a confined space, causing the fire and subsequent explosion.
One person died and 36 others were injured after a vessel exploded at a dry-dock on Staten Island on May 22. The injured included 31 firefighters, four EMS workers and another civilian, authorities said.
FDNY officials previously said they received reports that afternoon of workers trapped in a confined space at the dry-dock at 3075 Richmond Terrace. Hundreds of first responders were called to the scene, with more than 200 still there by Friday evening.
The FDNY said Wednesday that all injured department members have been released from the hospital except for a fire marshal, who remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Tagged
new york city
public safety
staten island
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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