NEW YORK, May 22 (Xinhua) -- At least 16 people were injured in an explosion and fire Friday on a barge at a shipyard on Staten Island in New York City, local authorities said.
Two firefighters and one civilian suffered serious injuries, according to the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY). Additionally, 11 other firefighters and two Emergency Medical Services personnel were hurt.
A report came in of workers trapped in a confined space at around 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, said the FDNY, adding a major explosion occurred around 4:20 p.m.
"Expect traffic delays, road closures, mass transit disruptions & emergency personnel near Richmond Terrace & Mersereau Avenue, Staten Island. Use alternate routes," the city's official emergency notification system said in an advisory to the public on X.
The causes of the fire and explosion are still under investigation. ■
