Following the explosion that took place under the deck of the ship Bonhome Richard, a large fire broke out that burned for hours • US Navy: "The explosion - during maintenance work"
A powerful fire broke out last night (Monday) aboard a U.S. Navy warship that docked off the shores of a U.S. Navy base in San Diego. 21 people were injured and evacuated for medical treatment.
San Diego: Injured in a fire on an American battleship // Photo: Reuters
The details of the incident have not yet been determined, but the fire has already been reported after an explosion for some reason under the USS Bonham Richard ship deck, which is routinely used as one of the U.S. Navy's nine amphibious battleships capable of carrying a number of helicopters and other aircraft.
Video of the USS Bonhomme Richard shot from SDFD copter 3. #shipfire pic.twitter.com/tYluuN5pii
- SDFD (@SDFD) July 12, 2020
Following the fire that broke out and lasted for hours, many fire and rescue crews were called to the scene, and two other ships were moved to other locations for fear of being damaged.
Explosion with at least one injury at the USS Bonhomme Richard. #shipfire pic.twitter.com/HooWIRcjU4
- SDFD (@SDFD) July 12, 2020
The official Twitter account of the U.S. Navy Land Forces said that "around 8:30 a.m. on July 12, a report was received that a fire broke out aboard the USS Bonhome Richard while mooring at the pier at the Navy base in San Diego. About 160 "People were on board the ship at the time. The USS Bonham Richard is undergoing maintenance work at the time of the explosion, and its crew is about a thousand people."
Eighteen Sailors have been transferred to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Local, base and shipboard firefighters are responding to the fire. More information to follow.
- Naval Surface Forces (@SurfaceWarriors) July 12, 2020
The U.S. Navy later confirmed through its Twitter account that there were indeed casualties in the incident and wrote: "18 sailors were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Local, military and firefighting forces responded to the fire."