Two sailors hurt after explosion caused by rapid depressurization aboard the Navy’s USS Louisiana ballistic-missile submarine: Authorities say problems arose during ‘routine’ test of the ship’s air system
- Two people were injured after an explosion on the USS Louisiana at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard near Seattle on Saturday
- Several people from the nearby town of Bremerton said they heard a loud boom
- The explosion happened at midday just as a routine compartment air test was being conducted
- Two people suffered injuries during the test and were taken to hospital
- Their injuries are not considered life-threatening
Two people were taken to the hospital after an explosion aboard a docked U.S. Navy vessel in Washington state Saturday.
The incident occurred on the Navy’s USS Louisiana ballistic-missile submarine while it was stationed at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard near Seattle, and saw two people taken to the hospital for non life-threatening injuries.
Military authorities said the explosion was the result of rapid depressurization in one of the ship’s cabins during a ‘routine’ test of the vessel’s air system.
Five other sailors were ultimately seen by Navy medics, but did not require medical attention.
Two people were injured after an explosion on the USS Louisiana at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard on Saturday
Several people from Bremerton said they heard a loud boom
The USS Louisiana has been based in Washington state since 2005 and is capable of carrying up to 20 ballistic missiles with thermonuclear warheads
Residents in the area said they heard a blast just after noon in the Bremerton area.
Shipyard officials have since explained the problem as a malfunction occurring during a routine compartment air test on the Ohio-class sub.
The vessel ‘experienced a problem’ in the forward logistics escape trunk, according to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard spokeswoman Anna Taylor.
It led to a rapid depressurization on the 560-foot sub, which caused a loud noise.
The incident caused a dislodged a scaffolding enclosure and “other equipment” inside the submarine, a spokesperson for the shipyard said.
The explosion happened at midday just as a routine compartment air test was being conducted. The Louisiana is currently stationed at Pier 3 at the Bremerton shipyard, pictured above, in order for midlife nuclear refueling to take place
It remains unclear the extent of the injuries sustained by the two sailors who were taken to a local hospital.
The Louisiana is currently stationed at Pier 3 at the Bremerton shipyard for midlife nuclear refueling to take place.
It has been based in Washington state since 2005 and is capable of carrying up to 20 ballistic missiles with thermonuclear warheads.
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