Worker killed in sewage boat explosion on New York City's Hudson River
An explosion Saturday morning aboard a sewage boat docked on New York City's Hudson River killed one city worker and injured two others, officials said.
Three Department of Environmental Protection employees were working on the vessel docked at the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in West Harlem when the explosion occurred at about 10:30 a.m. Eastern time, New York City Fire Department Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms told reporters.
Video captured heavy black smoke billowing into the air.
DEP employee Raymond Feige was pronounced dead at the scene of the explosion, which occurred near 135th Street in Upper Manhattan. Two other employees were taken to area hospitals. Their conditions were not provided.
"Upon arrival, units discovered a large explosion had occurred in one of the holds on the tank," Simms said. "This vessel transports raw sewage from New York City to the sewage treatment plant."
The deceased victim "was blown by the force of the explosion in between the pier and the vessel, itself," Simms disclosed.
One person who was driving in the area told CBS News New York he felt the ground shake.
"I smell something and I am not knowing exactly what it is and then next thing you know, boom," David Simon said. "I'm thinking something just hit the floor because trucks drop their load and cause vibration throughout the park. As I get closer up here, I'm hearing there is an explosion to a boat."
Simms said the cause of the explosion is under investigation. The U.S. Coast Guard wrote on X that the "incident" was "reportedly linked to hot work aboard a docked boat."
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement that, "At this time, there is no suspicion of criminality and no impact on the facility."
NYC worker dies in boat explosion
In a statement released Sunday, DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala said Feige faithfully served the city for 33 years.
"Ray was a respected engineer and a steady, beloved colleague who will be deeply missed," Aggarwala said. "For more than three decades he worked at DEP in a job that is largely unseen by most New Yorkers but is critical to keeping the City running, and we are grateful for service. Please continue to keep Ray's family and colleagues in your thoughts during this difficult time."
In his statement Saturday, Adams said that he was "devastated to hear about the tragic death" of Feige, adding, "This devoted public servant gave 33 years of service to New York City, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this painful time."
There does not appear to be any environmental impact from the explosion at this time, a city official told CBS News New York.
The U.S. Coast Guard wrote in a social media post that no pollution had been reported in the Hudson following the explosion, describing the "situation as stable."
The plant's operations were not affected, officials said.
