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17 US sailors hospitalised after fire on board naval vessel

July 13, 2020 12:49 IST

At least 17 United States Navy Sailors and four civilians have suffered injuries after a fire broke out aboard a navy vessel stationed at a naval base in the city of San Diego.

IMAGE: Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department boats combat a fire on board the US Navy amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard at Naval Base San Diego, California. Photograph: US Navy/Lt John J Mike/Handout via Reuters

"Seventeen Sailors and four civilians are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital," the US Navy said in a statement.

IMAGE: Sailors and Federal Fire San Diego firefighters combat a fire aboard the US Navy amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard at Naval Station San Diego. Photograph: US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason Kofonow/Handout via Reuters

The sailors on the USS Bonhomme Richard had 'minor injuries' from the fire and were taken to a hospital, Lt Cmdr Patricia Kreuzberger told CNN earlier Sunday.

There were 160 people on board when the fire started, according to the Naval Surface Forces.

SEE: Fire aboard US Navy ship leaves several injured

All crew members have safely evacuated the vessel and all are accounted for, the naval fleet said in an earlier Tweet, Sputnik tweeted.

The reason for the fire is yet to be ascertained.

IMAGE: Sailors aboard the ship don fire fighting ensembles to fight the fire aboard the ship. Photograph: US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason Kofonow/Handout via Reuters

Initial reports from the ship indicate it started in the well deck, according to a defence official.

Source: ANI