China says still investigating cause of deadly cargo ship fire
Twenty-five people died in the fire aboard the bulk carrier in Qingdao, while 17 were evacuated, including five who were injured.
China is continuing its investigation into the cause of a fire that killed 25 people aboard a foreign-flagged cargo ship in Qingdao, eastern China, according to state media. The incident occurred on Thursday morning when the 190-meter-long bulk carrier, Ocean Melody, caught fire while moored in the port. The ship, which had 42 people on board, lost 17 people during the evacuation and had 25 fatalities.
Firefighters reported the inside of the ship's hold was extremely hot, with temperatures around 85 degrees Celsius, and that the flames were emanating from the bottom of the vessel, producing a distinct diesel smell. Experts from across the country have gathered in Qingdao to analyze the scene, with state media showing images of rescue workers, fire engines, and damaged equipment.
The fire was extinguished by 2:30 PM on Thursday, and a witness from a nearby residential compound reported seeing thick smoke but no explosion. The ship, which appears to be a Liberian-flagged vessel, is officially identified as the Ocean Melody in CCTV footage.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- China says still investigating cause of deadly cargo ship fire freemalaysiatoday.com
- China says still investigating cause of deadly cargo ship fire channelnewsasia.com
