USA | At least 21 injured due to explosion and fire on a warship | VIDEO

Defence Redefined

13/07/2020

The fire and at least one explosion on an amphibious assault vessel of the US Navy moored at a naval base in California injured at least 21 people, mostly members of its crew, according to the authorities and the media.

US television networks have broadcast footage showing thick gray smoke billowing from the USS Bonhomme Richard, tied to the dock at its San Diego base for maintenance. Around the ship, in a distance of 257 meters, firefighting boats used water cannons. The explosion took place shortly after noon in front of a police recruiting center at Kisak, killing at least 160 people.

According to the US Navy, 17 members of the ship’s crew and four civilians were slightly injured and taken to hospital. Many firefighters also suffered burns or smoke inhalation, according to the media. All the crew members on board – up to 1,000 at sea – have now disembarked the ship, the US Navy said.

The fire is in danger of continuing “for days” possibly “down to the water line”, San Diego fire chief Colin Stowell told CNN. The name of the ship is a literary pseudonym of Benjamin Franklin.

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The ship, which can be used to depress aircraft in need of short runways such as the Harrier, has been involved in many military operations, especially in Iraq, and has appeared in Hollywood films, such as the film Battleship (2012) starring Liam Neeson and Rihanna. The ship has also appeared in the film Act of Valor, starring SEALs, the Unconventional Warfare units that are an evolution of Underwater Demolition Units and can be selected from all combat arms.

Source: CNA