1 dead in New York sewage-boat explosion on Hudson River

A city worker was killed in an explosion on a boat carrying raw sewage docked on the Hudson River in New York City, authorities reported. Another worker was injured and taken to the hospital, while a third worker declined medical treatment after the incident near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant. The cause of the explosion is being investigated, although Mayor Eric Adams stated that foul play was not suspected. The U.S. Coast Guard mentioned that the men were performing work involving flames or sparks when the blast occurred. The deceased, a 59-year-old man, was found unconscious in the river and was pronounced dead at the scene. He had been a dedicated employee of the city’s Department of Environmental Protection for 33 years. The explosion caused raw sewage to spread on the boat’s deck, requiring decontamination of firefighters and responders. The DEP noted that there were no apparent environmental consequences from the blast.