Home / Disasters and Accidents / Philippines Ferry Inferno Claims 76 Lives
Philippines Ferry Inferno Claims 76 Lives
13 Sep
Summary
- Forensic experts face weeks or months to identify 76 victims from a ferry fire.
- The ferry carried over 130 people and was nearing its destination when the fire started.
- Explosions were heard before the fire, complicating the investigation into its cause.
Authorities in the Philippines stated that identifying the 76 victims of a recent ferry fire may take an extended period, potentially weeks or months. Forensic experts are collecting and comparing DNA samples from the severely charred remains recovered from the vessel, which was carrying more than 130 people. The ferry was on its way to Coron, Palawan, a journey of about 20 hours from Manila.
Rescuers found 41 additional remains, bringing the death toll to 76, with 13 people still unaccounted for. Investigators have not yet fully searched flooded sections of the ship, indicating more remains could be discovered. The fire broke out on Friday, and firefighters gained access after the blaze was extinguished.
Images revealed extensive destruction within the ferry. Investigators are trying to determine the fire's origin and access critical areas like the flooded lower decks and engine room. Survivor accounts suggest two explosions were heard before the fire, complicating the investigation into the cause of this maritime disaster, one of the deadliest in recent Philippine history.
