The City of New York Fire Department responded to reports of a fire at 3075 Richmond Terrace on Staten Island at around 3:30 p.m. on May 22.

Heavy smoke, poor visibility, and reports of personnel trapped in a small area near the back of the building were all confronted by emergency teams, according to officials. Several firefighters working inside and around the building were hurt when an explosion happened during search, rescue, and firefighting efforts.

According to FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito, despite the hazardous circumstances, firefighters persisted in their work and eventually contained the fire. Over 200 first responders and about 70 fire and EMS units participated in the two-alarm response that resulted from the incident's escalation.

Over thirty people were injured, and one person was declared dead at the site. According to officials, a firefighter was gravely hurt and an FDNY fire marshal was critically injured. The cause of the fire is still being looked into.