FIRE RESULTS IN 50 DEATHS AT U.S.S. CONSTELLATION CONSTRUCTION SITE
Brooklyn, New York (JFK+50) On December 19, 1960, a fire broke out during the final stages of construction of the USS Constellation* at the Brooklyn Navy Yard pier.
The fire started after a forklift accident resulted in the spilling of 500 gallons of diesel fuel. It took 17 hours to put out the fire which caused the deaths of 50 shipyard workers.
Damage to the aircraft carrier required $75 million in repairs.
*U.S.S. Constellation, CV-64 (1961-2003), a Kitty Hawk class aircraft carrier, was one of the fastest ships in the US Navy. "Connie" was launched on Oct 8, 1960 & commissioned on Oct 27, 1961.
U.S.S. Constellation
Under Construction
Feb 18 1960
USN Photo
