US /

Blast Rocks US Navy Base

11 people are treated for 'non-life threatening injuries'
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jul 12, 2020 3:30 PM CDT
Blast Rocks US Navy Base
Smoke rises from the USS Bonhomme Richard at Naval Base San Diego Sunday, July 12, 2020, in San Diego after an explosion and fire Sunday on board the ship at Naval Base San Diego.   (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Eleven people suffered minor injuries in an explosion and fire Sunday on board a ship at Naval Base San Diego, military officials said, per the AP. The blaze was reported shortly before 9am on USS Bonhomme Richard, said Krishna Jackson, the base's public information officer. Eleven people were treated for "non-life threatening injuries," Jackson said. She didn't have additional details. Previously Jackson said at least one person was treated for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire was under investigation. Jackson didn't know where on the 840-foot amphibious assault vessel the blast and the fire occurred.

The flames sent up a huge plume of dark smoke visible around San Diego. San Diego is the Bonhomme Richard's home port and it was undergoing routine maintenance at the time of the fire. Jackson estimated about 200 sailors and officers were on board—far fewer than if the ship was on active duty. The ship has the capacity to deploy and land helicopters, smaller boats. and amphibious vehicles.

(More Navy stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X