Bangladesh Ferry Fire: 32 dead as packed boat catches fire in southern Bangladesh

A ferry caught fire in Southern Bangladesh in the early hours of Friday leaving at least 32 people dead.

The incident happened near the southern rural town of Jhalokathi, 250 kilometres south of the capital Dhaka. There were close to 500 passengers on the vessel.

The local police chief told AFP, 'The three-storey Obhijan 10 caught fire mid-river. Rescuers have recovered 32 bodies. The death count may rise.

Most died from the fire and a few by drowning after they jumped into the river, officials said. Close to 100 individuals, who sustained burn injuries have been sent to local hospitals, the police added.

The fire is believed to have erupted in the engine room and spread through the ferry, consuming lives of the passengers.

The unfortunate incident is the latest in a string of similar accidents to hit the country. Experts in the nation blame poor maintenance, lax safety standards at shipyards and overcrowding.

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