A fire broke out aboard a ferry in the Philippines, leaving five people dead and 86 others missing, according to BBC. One survivor told the BBC that people were trampling over one another while trying to get away from the flames.
The survivor described a narrow escape from the vessel as the fire spread. The BBC reported the incident as "heartbreaking," citing the toll of five confirmed dead and 86 unaccounted for. Sky News also reported at least five dead and more than 80 missing.
The Guardian reported that the deadly fire has triggered a search for scores of missing passengers. Reuters reported that the Philippines has deployed vessels as rescuers work to reach the burned ferry, which has been difficult to access.
Details on the cause of the fire, the ferry's route, and the total number of people aboard have not been confirmed in the reporting available so far. The accounts differ slightly on the number of missing, with BBC citing 86 and Sky News citing more than 80.
Rescue efforts remain the immediate focus, with authorities working to reach the vessel and locate those still unaccounted for. Further updates on the search and the condition of the ferry are expected as recovery operations continue.
