Passengers ship catches fire in Bangladesh; at least 30 dead

A passenger ship has caught fire in southern Bangladesh, killing at least 30 people and injuring about 100 others. The ship reportedly had about 500 passengers.

According to AFP, the fire on the ship started in the middle of the river and near the town of Jelkati. The ship was sailing from Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, to Bergone.

This incident happened today, on Friday.

Some of the victims reportedly drowned after jumping into the water. The local police chief told AFP that 32 bodies had been found so far.

“The death toll could rise and most of those who died were due to the fire, and some drowned after jumping into the river,” he added.

About 500 passengers were reportedly on board at the time of the fire.

Ship accidents are not uncommon in Bangladesh and these accidents occur mostly due to improper maintenance, low safety standards and overcrowding.

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