An explosion on a barge in Manhattan transporting raw sewage on Saturday has left one sanitation worker dead and two others injured. David Simms, deputy assistant chief with the Fire Department, told reporters that at approximately 10:30 a.m., one of the compartments on the vessel holding waste exploded, pushing one of the workers overboard, who died after ending up pinned between the barge and the pier. Two others were injured, and are reportedly in stable condition. The vessel was docked at the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant, near 135th Street in northern Manhattan.
The cause of the explosion is not immediately clear, although authorities have stated that it may have been related to “hot work” – construction work that can generate heat, flames, or sparks. Sewer gas is known to generally contain methane and hydrogen sulfide, both of which are highly flammable and potentially explosive substances that could ignite from a stray spark.
The explosion also left raw sewage on the deck of the barge, however, officials say that there was no sign of environmental damage and operations have not been affected. Eric Adams issued a statement of condolences to the workers’ friends, families and colleagues, adding that “the safety and well-being of our city’s workforce, and all New Yorkers, is always our top priority, and we are committed to fully supporting an investigation and ensuring that every possible measure is taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
