Massive ferry fire kills at least 39 in southern Bangladesh

By ABDUR RAHMAN JAHANGIR
Associated Press

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Officials say a massive fire swept through a crowded river ferry in Bangladesh, leaving at least 39 people dead and 70 injured. Many passengers leapt from the vessel into cold waters to escape the blaze early Friday. A fire officer said it took 15 fire engines two hours to control the fire and another eight to cool down the vessel. Afterward, the blackened hull of the ferry sat anchored at the river’s edge. Rescuers continued to look for both bodies and survivors. The blaze broke out around 3 a.m. on a ferry carrying 800 passengers. Many were traveling to visit family and friends for the weekend.