One person was killed Thursday afternoon when an explosion on board a Staten Island petroleum barge caused a massive shipping container fire, according to authorities and sources.
The blast erupted around 2:35 p.m. on board the barge called “Casablanca” on Richmond Terrace near South Avenue in Mariners Harbor, according to the FDNY and law enforcement sources.
The second-alarm fire consumed the 10 foot-by-40 foot shipping container, fire officials said.
Footage shows thick plumes of smoke rising from the cargo ship.
Only a worker was on board the barge, cops said. Law enforcement sources confirmed a single fatality.
A total of 53 FDNY units, including 160 fire, EMS and Hazmat workers descended on the scene, fire officials said.
First responders were still on scene about two hours later trying to render the barge safe and prevent any other explosions.
The cause of the blast was not immediately known.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
