Worker Killed in Hudson Sewage Boat Explosion

A 59-year-old Department of Environmental Protection worker died and two others were injured in an explosion aboard a city-owned sewage transport boat docked at the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility on the Hudson River in Manhattan. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. during maintenance involving flame or sparks, leading to a compartment holding raw sewage exploding and propelling the victim between the vessel and the pier. Emergency responders, including the FDNY and U.S. Coast Guard, decontaminated all personnel due to sewage exposure. The deceased had served the city for 33 years, and officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, have expressed condolences and pledged a thorough investigation. Authorities report no environmental impacts or facility disruptions, and there is no suspicion of criminality. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.