A massive explosion tore through the Richmond Industrial Complex in Mariners Harbor just after 3:30 p.m. Friday, leaving one civilian dead and sending 34 members of the FDNY to area hospitals with serious injuries. The blast, which rocked the shipyard off Richmond Terrace, drew more than a dozen fire trucks and turned the North Shore into a scene of thick smoke and sirens for hours.

Among the injured, one fire marshal is fighting for his life at Staten Island University Hospital North, according to FDNY sources on Saturday morning. Neighbors described seeing firefighters rush into the complex’s warehouse moments before a second fireball erupted from inside. “It shook the windows and set car alarms off down the block,” said Jasmine Torres, who works at a nearby deli on Harbor Road.

FDNY officials spent early Saturday combing through the smoldering wreckage, searching for clues about what triggered the explosion. The cause is still under investigation, but city officials have confirmed that hazardous materials crews remain on scene due to concerns about chemicals stored at the site.

The industrial complex, a cluster of shipping and repair businesses, has been a fixture on Staten Island’s waterfront for decades. Workers at neighboring yards said Friday’s explosion was the worst they’d ever seen in the area. “We’ve had fires before, but nothing like this,” said longtime dock foreman Frank Liotta.

As of this weekend, Richmond Terrace remains partially closed between Harbor Road and Van Name Avenue, snarling traffic and rerouting buses. Local leaders expect the investigation and cleanup to stretch into next week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the Staten Island shipyard explosion occur?

The explosion occurred at the Richmond Industrial Complex in Mariners Harbor, Staten Island, off Richmond Terrace.

How many people were injured in the Staten Island shipyard blast?

One civilian was killed and 34 FDNY members were sent to area hospitals with serious injuries.

What is the condition of the injured fire marshal from the Staten Island explosion?

One fire marshal is fighting for his life at Staten Island University Hospital North.

What is known about the cause of the Staten Island shipyard explosion?

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, with hazardous materials crews remaining on scene due to concerns about chemicals stored at the site.

Is Richmond Terrace open after the shipyard explosion?

Richmond Terrace remains partially closed between Harbor Road and Van Name Avenue, causing traffic disruptions and bus rerouting.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.