Methane explosion kills worker, injures 2 aboard a DEP ship in Hudson River
A 59-year-old man is dead, and two others were wounded Saturday morning after an explosion on a city Department of Environmental Protection-owned ship in the Hudson River in upper Manhattan.
Officials said the victims were working on the vessel docked near W. 138th St. at around 10:30 a.m. when the explosion unfolded.
One of the two injured workers was rushed to a hospital while the other received treatment at the scene.
“The entire DEP family is grieving today,” said Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala.
“Our employee who lost his life had served the department and the city with dedication for 33 years.”
“He was a valued and experienced member of the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment, and his decades of service reflect his commitment to DEP’s mission.”
The vessel was reportedly carrying raw sewage, and the explosion was linked to “hot work” or welding conducted aboard the ship.
“No pollution reported in the Hudson River following this morning’s explosion near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.
“The situation is stable. FDNY leads the response. Coast Guard crews remain on scene supporting the response.”
