Fire on the ferry with 500 passengers on board: at least 37 dead

At least 37 people died in the fire that broke out on board a ferry on a river in southern Bangladesh. "The three-story Obhijan 10 caught fire in the middle of the river - explains the local police -. We have recovered 37 bodies, but the death toll could increase".

"Most died in the fire - added police chief Moinul Islam - and some drowned after throwing themselves into the water". Many terrified passengers would have jumped into the water to escape the flames and smoke.

The tragedy occurred early in the morning near the town of Jhalokathi, 250 km south of the capital Dhaka.

The incident is the latest in a series of similar disasters in the country. Experts underline the lack of maintenance, lax safety standards and the saturation of ferries operating in the area.

Although it was rated for up to 310 passengers, the burning ferry is believed to have carried at least 500 passengers.

(Unioneonline / vl)