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6d ago

Methane Explosion on NYC Sewage Vessel Kills Worker, Injures Two

The blast occurred during hot work on the DEP-owned 'Hunts Point' barge at a Manhattan wastewater plant, with investigations ongoing into safety protocols.

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A Methane explosion aboard a Department of Environmental Protection ship docked at their facility in the Hudson River near West 138th Street resulted in the death of a male worker after the blast sent him tumbling off the ship in Manhattan on Saturday May 24, 2025. (Theodore Parisienne / New York Daily News)
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An explosion on a barge near West 138th Street in NYC left one worker fighting for life and another rescued.

Overview

  • A 59-year-old Department of Environmental Protection worker was killed, and two others were injured in a methane explosion aboard the sewage transport vessel 'Hunts Point' on the Hudson River.
  • The explosion occurred around 10:30 a.m. on May 24, 2025, while the barge was docked at the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant in West Harlem.
  • Emergency responders, including FDNY, Coast Guard, and hazmat teams, conducted rescue operations, decontamination, and confirmed no pollution in the Hudson River.
  • Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was caused by hot work, potentially involving welding near methane buildup in the vessel's hull.
  • The FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation is leading an inquiry into the incident, with city officials emphasizing a commitment to improving worker safety and preventing future tragedies.