In Indonesia, a passenger ferry carrying 250 people caught fire.
At least five people have died as a result of the incident, and 41 people are missing. Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing.
At least five people have died and 41 others are missing after a fire broke out on a passenger ferry carrying at least 250 people in Indonesia. The BBC reported, citing the country's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).
According to reports, the KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 ferry caught fire near Madura Island while en route from Surabaya in East Java province to Makassar in South Sulawesi. The ferry captain reported the fire to emergency services while still at sea.
Basarnas stated that the fire started at approximately 06:00–07:00 local time. By the time rescuers arrived at the scene, the vessel was almost entirely engulfed in flames. Passengers were taking refuge in the ship's control section and bow area while awaiting rescue.
Videos distributed by local media showed thick smoke and flames rising from the upper part of the ferry, with some passengers throwing themselves into the sea to escape. Life rings were thrown to people wearing life jackets, and they were brought aboard rescue vessels.
The cause of the fire has not yet been officially announced.
According to the latest information from officials, five people have died as a result of the incident, and 41 are missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
