NYC DEP worker killed, 2 injured in raw sewage boat explosion on Hudson River
A tragic incident occurred on Saturday in the Hudson River, as a New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) worker lost his life in a raw sewage boat explosion. Two other workers were injured in the explosion that took place aboard the city-owned vessel, Hunts Point.
Shortly after 10:30 a.m., the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) received a distress call reporting an explosion on the boat. Upon arrival, FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms described a scene where a large explosion had ripped through one of the holds on the tank.
The Hunts Point vessel is primarily used to transport raw sewage from New York City to a sewage treatment plant. The explosion resulted in the tragic death of one DEP employee, who was caught in the force of the explosion between the pier and the vessel. Despite efforts by FDNY to extricate the employee, the individual did not survive.
Two other employees were also affected by the explosion, with one being hospitalized and the other refusing medical treatment. The condition of the hospitalized employee remains unknown at this time.
The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation by the Bureau of Fire Investigation, and officials have not disclosed whether the incident was accidental or deliberate. The boat deck was left covered in raw sewage following the explosion, leading to decontamination efforts for all responding FDNY personnel.
DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the employee, who had dedicated 33 years of service to the department. Aggarwala praised the employee’s commitment to the DEP’s mission and acknowledged the impact of his decades of service.
Despite the tragic event, plant operations were able to continue without disruption, and there were no signs of environmental damage as a result of the explosion. The entire DEP community is mourning the loss of their colleague and working to support those affected by the incident.
As investigations continue into the cause of the explosion, authorities are focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of all workers involved in similar operations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those working in hazardous environments and the importance of maintaining strict safety protocols in all industrial operations.
