A routine welding job aboard a New York City sewage barge ended in tragedy Saturday morning when an explosion launched a longtime worker into the Hudson River, ultimately taking his life.

The blast, believed to be caused by ignited methane gas during welding operations, resulted in the death of a 59-year-old man and left two others hospitalized during Fleet Week activities near Manhattan’s West Side, as the Daily Mail reports.

The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. Saturday, near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at West 138th Street. The explosion happened onboard a sewage barge operated by the city’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which manages the treatment and disposal of wastewater across the five boroughs.

Emergency teams were dispatched quickly to the scene. Witnesses reported helicopters circling above, while first responders accessed the vessel by a narrow gangway. The explosion did not trigger a fire, but it did cause a 59-year-old DEP employee to be thrown overboard and later become trapped between the barge and the dock.

Worker thrown into river

According to officials, the man had been performing welding work on the hull of the sewage barge when the explosion occurred. Initial findings suggest that methane gas -- common in the enclosed and combustible environment of wastewater vessels—may have ignited during the welding process.

Emergency crews were able to reach the man as quickly as possible; however, he had become pinned in the water between the barge and the dock. He later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are still working to determine if he died as a direct result of the explosion or from complications related to water trauma.

Two other workers were also injured in the blast. Both were transported to nearby hospitals, and one of them remains in critical condition. Officials have reported that the others are expected to recover, but one continues to fight for his life.

Hazmat crews respond

City officials also deployed hazardous materials responders to address potential environmental threats. Hazmat teams worked throughout the day to decontaminate the site, monitor methane levels in the area, and clean up any sludge or oil discharged into the Hudson River.

Despite the explosion and the tragic fatality, Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant continues to function normally and that there is no indication of any long-term impact on its operations.

In a statement released later that day, Mayor Adams praised the victim’s decades of service to New York City. “This devoted public servant gave 33 years of service to New York City, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this painful time,” the mayor said.

City, DEP mourn veteran worker

DEP Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala also shared his condolences on behalf of the entire department. “The entire DEP family is grieving today,” he stated. “Our employee who lost his life had served the Department and the City with dedication for 33 years.”

He continued, emphasizing the man’s stature within the department. “He was a valued and experienced member of the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment, and his decades of service reflect his commitment to DEP’s mission.” The victim's name has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. The department is offering counseling services to staff and crew affected by the day’s events.

Probe seeks to determine cause

Officials have confirmed that there is currently no suspicion of criminal activity associated with the incident. According to Mayor Adams, investigators are working to fully understand what went wrong and whether proper safety protocols were followed.

“We are committed to fully supporting an investigation and ensuring that every possible measure is taken to prevent such tragedies in the future,” Adams said. Safety inspections and operational procedures are expected to be reviewed in the coming weeks by multiple city agencies.

Fleet Week celebrations, which draw tourists and military vessels to New York’s harbors, continued as planned despite the explosion taking place during the annual event. Visitors and workers on the nearby piers expressed shock at the visible emergency response.

Lessons to learn

1. Understand workplace hazards: Welding and similar activities in industrial settings, especially those involving methane or other flammable gases, can easily turn deadly. Proper risk assessment and safety checks should never be skipped, no matter how routine a task may seem.

2. Prepare for emergencies: Quick response by emergency crews is critical. All facilities, especially those near water or involving hazardous substances, should have a rapid-response plan that includes clear access routes and detailed procedures for different scenarios.

3. Respect the risks of essential work: This tragic incident is a sobering reminder that workers in infrastructure and maintenance roles face dangers that often go unseen by the public.

Why this story matters

This story highlights the sacrifices made every day by public sector workers who keep essential city systems running. It is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in maintaining infrastructure, even in the heart of a major city.

The explosion near the North River plant impacted not just a few individuals but a wider community that depends on clean water, functioning sanitation, and emergency preparedness. Raising awareness of incidents like this helps push for improvements in safety protocols and worker protections.