A WORKER was killed and two others injured when a sewage barge exploded on the Hudson River during New York City’s Fleet Week.
The blast erupted around 10.30am Saturday on a Department of Environmental Protection vessel docked near West 138th Street in Manhattan, officials said.
The barge — which was transporting raw sewage to the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant — suddenly blew up, sending a 59-year-old man flying into the river.
“Officials arrived at the scene to find a large explosion had ripped through the ship’s hull,”;; NYPD said.
The worker, who was welding the hull at the time of the explosion, became trapped between the vessel and the dock and later died of his injuries.
It is not yet clear whether the fatal wounds were caused by the blast itself or the impact after he was thrown into the water.
Two other DEP workers on board were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Their conditions were not immediately known.
Investigators suspect the explosion may have been triggered by a welding malfunction, with highly flammable methane — produced by the raw sewage — potentially igniting during the operation.
Hazmat crews were seen at the scene working to decontaminate the vessel, assess methane levels, and tackle sludge and oil that leaked into the water.
FDNY officials said it was too early to determine whether the explosion was accidental.
Emergency services, including helicopters and rescue boats, swarmed the scene, with responders spotted carefully navigating a narrow gangway to access the blast site.
The investigation into the deadly incident is ongoing.
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