A worker was killed in explosions at May Ship Repair Contracting Corporation on Staten Island, authorities confirmed Saturday. The blasts occurred after a fire broke out on a dock at the shipyard facility.

According to family members, the victim was a Chinese immigrant who was working as a painter inside a vessel when the explosion occurred. The family described him as a hard-working individual who became trapped in the boat during the incident.

A company representative confirmed that the deceased worker was employed by one of the shipyard's subcontractors. The explosions followed an initial fire that had started on the dock area of the facility.

Investigators are currently examining the circumstances that led to the fatal incident. The exact cause of the fire and subsequent explosions has not yet been determined.

May Ship Repair Contracting Corporation operates the shipyard facility where the incident took place. The company has not released additional details about the safety protocols in place at the time of the accident.