Raw sewage boat explodes on New York’s Hudson River killing worker and injuring 2

One person has died, and two others sustained injuries following an explosion on a sewage transport boat in the Hudson River, right off the Henry Hudson Parkway near 138th Street. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday aboard a New York City-owned motor vessel called "Hunts Point."

When FDNY officials arrived on scene they found that a significant explosion had taken place in one of the boat's hulls. FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms reported that the vessel is responsible for transporting raw sewage from the city to a treatment facility.

Two workers were injured and were promptly taken to local hospitals for care. Unfortunately, a third worker was fatally injured due to the explosion, which had enough force to propel him between the pier and the boat. Rescue teams were required to perform technical extrication to recover the victim's body.

In response to the explosion, the FDNY had to decontaminate all emergency personnel who were deployed to the site, as raw sewage was present on the deck of the boat.

The barge, managed by the Department of Environmental Protection, was carrying raw sewage to the treatment facility. Hazmat teams responded to clean the vessel, evaluate methane levels, and tackle the sludge and oil in the water.

However, Mayor Eric Adams stated that there was no suspicion of criminal activity and that the facility was not affected following the tragic 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 said of the employee who died.

He added: "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 currently working to determine the cause of the explosion. In a social media update on X, the U.S. Coast Guard for NYC and the Tri-State area indicated that the incident was "reportedly linked to hot work aboard a docked boat."

"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," NYC DEP Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala said.

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.