On the morning of May 24, the 88 meter long, 5000 dwt waste disposal bargeHunts Point (IMO: 9648049) exploded while berthed on the Hudson River near the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant, New York.

Several workers were engaged on the barge when a sparks ignited gas resulting an explosion. One worker was killed from the explosion after being knocked unconscious and thrown into the river. Two other workers sustained injuries from the blast with one taken to hospital for treatment.

Reports state the vessel was loaded with raw sewage at the time of the incident. After the explosion, the deck of theHunts Point was covered in sewage. New York Fire fighters along with other first responders had to undergo decontamination from exposure.