A New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) worker died and two others were injured this Saturday after an explosion that occurred on a municipal ship in charge of transporting raw sewage.

The incident occurred shortly after 10:30 a.m., when the New York Fire Department (FDNY) received an alert about an explosion aboard the Hunts Point, a city-owned vessel that was docked at the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in West Harlem.

According to FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms, the explosion originated in one of the holds of the vessel's tank, which is used to transport wastewater from different locations around the city to treatment plants.

Three DEP workers were on board at the time of the explosion. One of them was violently ejected between the dock and the vessel by the force of the explosion. Despite efforts by emergency personnel, who attempted a "technical extrication," the employee died at the scene.

The DEP confirmed that the deceased was a 33-year veteran of the department, described as an "valuable and experienced" member by Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “The entire DEP family is in mourning today,” Aggarwala stated.

Of the two surviving employees, one was transported to a hospital, while the other refused medical attention. The condition of the hospitalized worker has not been disclosed.

Given the type of cargo on the ship, the explosion caused sewage to spill onto the deck, requiring all responding FDNY personnel to be decontaminated. Multiple units were involved in the operation, including hazardous materials and marine division teams.

The cause of the incident is currently unknown. The Bureau of Fire Investigation is handling the investigation. Authorities have not yet determined whether it was an accident or if there was some other factor involved.

Despite the seriousness of the incident,The DEP reported that treatment plant operations were not disrupted and no environmental damage has been reported.