A packed ferry caught fire in southern Bangladesh early Friday, killing at least 35 people and injuring 72 others. The incident occurred early Friday near the southern rural town of Jhalokati, which is located 250 kilometres (155 miles) south of the capital, Dhaka. The ship was carrying approximately 500 people.
“The three-storey Obhijan 10 caught fire mid-river. We have recovered 32 bodies. The death toll may rise. Most died from the fire and a few by drowning after they jumped into the river,” local police chief Moinul Islam told.
Fire officer Fazlul Haque said rescuers have so far recovered 37 bodies and rescued 72 injured passengers. He said the rescue mission is ongoing and the casualties are likely to go up.
A lot of people ran for safety as the fire spread. A lot of people could not get out of their cabins where they were sleeping. Many jumped into the river," said a survivor at Barisal Medical College Hospital.
The fire department has been unable to ascertain the cause of the fire.
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