Worker Killed, Two Injured in Hudson River Sewage Boat Explosion: Legal and Safety Issues Under Scrutiny

An explosion aboard a sewage transport vessel docked at the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in West Harlem has resulted in one fatality and two injuries. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, and involved three employees of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) performing work on the vessel.

The blast originated in one of the tank holds of the vessel, used to transport raw sewage, while it was docked on the Hudson River near 135th Street. The explosion generated a plume of heavy black smoke and reportedly shook the surrounding area. According to the FDNY, the force of the blast was so powerful that it threw one worker into the space between the pier and the vessel. That worker, identified as Raymond Feige, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two additional DEP workers were transported to area hospitals. Their conditions have not been released.

The U.S. Coast Guard indicated the explosion may be related to “hot work” operations, which often involve welding, cutting, or other activities using high heat in confined spaces. Such operations are subject to stringent safety regulations due to their high risk of ignition in enclosed or hazardous environments.

As New York personal injury attorneys experienced in explosion and industrial accident cases, we recognize that incidents like this often involve complex layers of liability. These may include failures in safety oversight, insufficient training, lack of hazard mitigation, or violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Additionally, when incidents involve vessels or dockside operations, federal maritime regulations may also apply.

In cases involving public workers, there may be specific procedures and legal limitations under New York’s General Municipal Law that must be navigated to preserve the right to bring a claim. Prompt investigation is crucial to determine whether all appropriate protocols were followed and whether the equipment, environment, or procedures contributed to the explosion.

The explosion did not reportedly result in any environmental damage or disruption to plant operations, according to city officials and the Coast Guard.

If you have questions regarding legal options following an industrial accident, explosion, or maritime injury in New York, contact the explosion attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf at 212-943-1090 for a confidential consultation.