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Fire on Cargo Ship in Chinese Port Kills 25, Injures 5
Confirmed
In Short: A fire broke out on a cargo ship docked for repairs in Qingdao, China, killing at least 25 people and injuring five more.
A fire erupted on a cargo ship docked for repairs at the port of Qingdao in northeastern China, killing at least 25 people and injuring five others, according to Chinese state media. The ship, the Ocean Melody, was being repaired by Beihai Shipbuilding Co. and was under the Liberian flag.
Chinese authorities have not yet determined the cause of the blaze, which occurred while the vessel was undergoing repairs. President Xi Jinping called for intensified efforts to support those affected, while Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need to rescue trapped individuals.
The ship was in port for repair and inspection when the fire started, and the blaze was extinguished around 2:30 p.m., approximately three hours after it began. Photos and videos showed plumes of smoke billowing from the ship.
Of the 42 people on board, 12 were safely rescued, while the remaining 25 were later found dead, bringing the confirmed death toll to 25. The injured were taken to the hospital, where they are in stable condition.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the ship's primary businesses being shipbuilding and repair. The Ocean Melody arrived at the Qingdao shipyard on Aug. 31 for the repairs that led to the tragedy.
What's confirmed
- Five others were injured and taken to the hospital, where they are in stable condition.
What's still developing
- The ship-tracking website VesselFinder lists it as sailing under the Liberian flag.