Status: 12/24/2021 11:45 a.m.
In Bangladesh, a ferry with around 800 passengers caught fire. More than 30 people were killed and at least 70 injured. Why the fire broke out is still unclear.
A fire broke out on a ferry on a river in southern Bangladesh. Numerous people were killed in the accident.
There are various information in the media about the number of fatalities: The dpa news agency reported on at least 35 people who died as a result of the fire. The AP agency spoke of at least 39 fatalities at noon. More than 70 people were also injured. Both agencies relied on information from the fire brigade. The BBC reported 37 dead and at least 100 injured.
Numerous people die after fire on ferry in Bangladesh
Friedrich Leist, tagesschau.de, tagesschau24 12:00 p.m., December 24th, 2021
Fire apparently broke out in the engine room
The accident occurred on the Sugandha River, about 150 kilometers from the capital Dhaka. The ship was on its way from Dakha to the city of Barguna. According to initial findings, the fire broke out in the engine room of the double-decker ferry and then quickly spread to the entire ship. There were about 800 people on board.
According to the fire department, many of the passengers jumped into the water. Some drowned trying to save themselves. After the accident became known, numerous relatives gathered on the banks of the river.
The ferry burned out completely. The fire brigade worked for several hours to put out the flames. Accidents like these have often occurred in Bangladesh. Experts blame the lack of safety standards on board the ships for this.