At least 21 injured in fire aboard ship at naval base in US

Cause of blast is not yet known

Powered by automated translation

Seventeen sailors and four others suffered minor injuries after an explosion and fire on a ship at a naval base in San Diego, in the US, on Sunday.

The blaze was reported shortly before 9am on the USS Bonhomme Richard, said Mike Raney, a spokesman for the US Pacific Fleet.

Mr Raney said the sailors were taken to hospital with “non-life-threatening injuries”.

Officials said at least one person was being treated for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

At least 21 injured in fire aboard ship at naval base in US

At least 21 injured in fire aboard ship at naval base in US

A huge plume of dark smoke was visible around San Diego, the Bonhomme Richard's home port, where it was undergoing routine maintenance.

Officials said there were about 200 sailors and officers on board, which was far fewer than if the ship were on active duty.

The ship can send out helicopters, smaller boats and amphibious vessels.