Death toll in Philippines ferry fire reaches 76 (photo)

Death toll in Philippine ferry fire reaches 76 (photo)

The death toll from a fire that broke out on a ferry in the Philippines on September 9 has risen to 76. This was reported by the BBC.

There were 134 passengers and crew members on board the ferry at the time of the fire. The number of survivors stands at 43. Most of them are receiving treatment in hospitals, but 13 people remain missing. Efforts to locate and retrieve the bodies were hindered by toxic smoke and high temperatures. As a result, rescuers were only able to board the ferry on September 11.

Relatives of the deceased are being asked to help identify their family members through personal belongings and DNA analysis.

"If someone confirms that an available photo or item indeed belongs to their loved one, they will be asked to submit a DNA sample," said Kristine Ablana, a tourism officer in Coron.

It is reported that the fire started in the cargo compartment of the ferry. Survivors heard a loud explosion when the fire began. Additionally, those who managed to escape the ferry did not have time to put on life jackets.

One survivor was caught among panicked people while trying to escape.

Photo: AP Photo

The ferry, June Aster, built in 2002, held valid safety certificates. It had passed an inspection in March. However, investigators are examining the passenger manifest, cargo layout, and the crew's emergency response protocols. The vessel's operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries, stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.