Tragic Explosion Claims Life of DEP Employee in Hudson River

Tragic Incident Occurs at North River Wastewater Treatment Plant

A tragic explosion aboard a boat carrying raw sewage in the Hudson River resulted in the death of a long-serving employee of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on Saturday morning. This incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. at the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant near West 136th Street in Harlem.

According to authorities, three workers were operating the vessel when one of its tanks exploded. The force of the blast propelled one worker into the water, tragically pinning him between the boat and the pier, as reported by FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms during a press conference at the scene.

Emergency responders quickly arrived and were able to rescue the 59-year-old victim from the water; however, he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. City officials have identified him as a dedicated 33-year veteran of the Department of Environmental Protection.

DEP Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala expressed the agency's profound sorrow over the incident, stating, "The entire DEP family is grieving today. Our employee who lost his life had served the Department and the City with dedication for 33 years. 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."

Fortunately, the two other workers were reported to be in stable condition; one was transported to a local hospital, while the third declined medical assistance at the scene. Authorities have indicated that plant operations were not disrupted by the explosion and that there were no immediate environmental concerns following the incident.

Investigation Underway

The precise cause of the explosion is still under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that one of the workers may have been welding at the time of the explosion, raising questions about safety protocols and potential hazards associated with such operations.

In a statement regarding the tragedy, Mayor Eric Adams voiced his deep condolences and reiterated the city's commitment to ensuring the safety of its workforce. He stated, "The safety and well-being of our city’s workforce, and all New Yorkers, is always our top priority. We are committed to fully supporting an investigation and ensuring that every possible measure is taken to prevent such tragedies in the future."

As investigators continue to examine the circumstances leading to this unfortunate event, the community and the DEP continue to mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant.