FDNY Investigating Staten Island Shipyard Explosion at 3075 Richmond Terrace
STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK (July 1, 2026) – Dozens of people were injured in a Staten Island shipyard fire and explosion at 3075 Richmond Terrace by Lockman Avenue.
New York City officials are saying that the incident took place around 3:30 PM on Friday. The FDNY received reports that multiple workers were trapped, following a major explosion at the shipyard.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene to help all of the victims. They uncovered numerous people trapped in some type of a metal structure in the basement by the docks.
Dozens of people sustained major injuries. At least one person also reportedly died in the blast. It remains unclear what may have triggered the shipyard explosion.
A full investigation remains ongoing.
Liability for Staten Island Shipyard Explosions
Workers are exposed to a variety of hazards in the course of their job duties. Shipyards can be particularly dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “There are approximately 165,000 workers employed in shipyards in the U.S., spread across 26 states bordering coastal and inland waters. Between 2011 and 2017, there were at least 45 fatal accidents (4.0 per 100,000) among shipyard workers, higher than the rate for all U.S. workers.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to an explosion at a shipyard.
- Flammable Materials: Shipyards are filled with lots of flammable materials. This includes gasoline and other chemicals. These materials may not have been stored properly.
- Ignition Sources: Shipyards have lots of potential ignition sources. For example, there’s usually welding work going on at any particular shipyard.
- Inadequate Ventilation: Poor ventilation at any shipyard could allow for vapors to accumulate. These vapors could potentially ignite under certain conditions.
An employer in New York could be liable for a shipyard explosion under New York Labor Law § 200. The statute is a codification of an employer’s duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. If a shipyard owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition on their premises, they must take action. Failing to take reasonable measures to protect against explosions and other safety hazards could be construed as negligence. Victims may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a civil claim.
Investigating Staten Island Shipyard Explosions
We at GLK Law extend our best wishes to all of the people injured in this shipyard explosion. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. Workers should not have to needlessly risk their lives to provide a future for themselves and their families.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a Staten Island shipyard explosion? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
