21 people have suffered minor injuries in an explosion and fire Sunday on board a ship at Naval Base San Diego.
San Diego Fire-Rescue is responding, along with multiple agencies to a military ship fire at Naval Base San Diego.
SDFD is assisting on this fire on board the USS Bonhomme Richard. According to a tweet from SDFD they are partnered with Federal Fire in unified command.
Officials said about 160 sailors and officers were on board — far fewer than the thousand typically on the ship when it’s on active duty.
Several sailors are being treated for a variety of injuries, according to SDFD. All SDFD personnel are accounted for as of 11:19, the department said.
PHOTOS: Fire erupts aboard ship at Naval Base San Diego
San Diego Fire-Rescue tweeted around 10:30 a.m. about the fire aboard the ship on the 3400 block of Senn Street.
Several sailors are being treated for a variety of injuries. #shipfire pic.twitter.com/dNUzBEJbBZ
— SDFD (@SDFD) July 12, 2020
It's unclear how the fire started. According to a witness, an explosion was heard coming from the ship shortly after the blaze started.
Video posted by the department shows thick, black smoke rising into the air.
San Diego is the Bonhomme Richard’s home port and it was undergoing routine maintenance at the time of the fire. The ship has the capacity to deploy and land helicopters, smaller boats and amphibious vehicles.
Multiple agencies at scene with SDFD - 3455 Senn St. working a military ship fire. #shipfire pic.twitter.com/9u9HqDUM32
— SDFD (@SDFD) July 12, 2020
This is a developing story.
