Japanese naval destroyer on fire after collision

A Japanese naval destroyer collided with a commercial vessel off southern Japan, starting fires on both ships and injuring three crew members, defence officials said today.

The destroyer JS Kurama collided with the South Korean container ship Carina Star earlier today in the Kanmon Strait near the southern main island of Kyushu, a defence ministry spokesman said..

One Kurama crew member was slightly injured - with scratches and bruises - while two other sailors were sickened by inhaling smoke, the official said.

Japan Coast Guard spokesman Seishi Izumi said officials are investigating the case as possible professional negligence and have started questioning crew members on both sides.