At Least 16 Injured In Fire, Explosion At New York Dry Dock Facility

WASHINGTON, May 23 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- At least 16 people were injured Friday after a fire and explosion at a dry dock facility in New York City, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing local media.

According to police and fire officials, the incident occurred at a shipyard on Richmond Terrace in the Mariners' Harbour neighbourhood of Staten Island.

The Fire Department of New York reportedly said authorities received reports in the afternoon of a fire in the basement of a metal structure behind shipping docks, along with reports of workers trapped.

A major explosion was reported later as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, NBC News and ABC News reported.

The fire department said at least 13 firefighters were among the injured. Two firefighters suffered serious injuries, while two others sustained moderate injuries. Several others, along with two emergency medical service personnel, suffered minor injuries.

One civilian, believed to be a worker, was seriously injured, according to the reports.

Two people were pulled from the area and transported to nearby hospitals, fire officials said.

ABC News, citing police sources, reported that one worker may still be unaccounted for.

Several firefighters issued mayday calls while battling the blaze, but all were later located and were receiving treatment, the report added.

The cause of the fire and explosion was not immediately clear.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU