A worker was killed and another rescued from the Hudson River in New York City after an explosion on a barge.
The barge blew up at the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant near West 138th Street in Manhattan about 10.30am on Saturday.
The small explosion was reportedly caused by methane igniting in a welding ‘malfunction’ of the vessel, but it did not start a fire.
One of the workers, who was welding inside the hull on the barge during the explosion, later died of his injuries, according to authorities.
Rescue boats rushed to the area to rescue the other man, who was thrown overboard and pinned between the boat and the dock.
Helicopters were seen hovering over the barge and numerous emergency responders trying to get on to the boat over a narrow gangway.
There were unconfirmed reports of a third injured worker who refused treatment.
The barge was operated by the Department of Environmental Protection.
Hazmat crews arrived to decontaminate the vessel, assess the methane levels, and address sludge and oil in the water.
One worker is fighting for life and another being rescued from the Hudson River after an explosion on a barge
Rescue boats rushed to the area to rescue the man overboard, who was pinned between the boat and the dock
