Fiery explosion leaves 21 injured aboard USS Bonhomme Richard in San Diego, Navy says

An explosion and fire Sunday aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard at a San Diego naval base sent 17 sailors and four civilians to hospitals, CNN reports.

“Everyone is off the ship and everyone is accounted for,” said Brian O’Rourke, Navy spokesman, KFMB reported. The USS Bonhomme Richard is an amphibious assault ship stationed at Naval Base San Diego.

The three-alarm fire broke out at 8:50 a.m. Sunday, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. About 160 sailors were on board the ship, which is undergoing maintenance, at the time.

The 17 injured crew members were treated for minor injuries, KNSD reported. It’s not known what caused the fire.

Federal and local firefighters are continuing to battle the blaze Monday, CNN reported. The fire could last for days and burn the ship “down to the water line,” fire officials say.

Firefighting boats are assisting in the efforts, KFMB reported.

This story was originally published July 12, 2020 at 4:56 PM with the headline "Fiery explosion leaves 21 injured aboard USS Bonhomme Richard in San Diego, Navy says."