At least 25 people have died after a cargo ship suddenly burst into flames, turning a routine operation into a devastating disaster.
The fire broke out Thursday morning aboard the cargo vessel Ocean Melody while it was undergoing repair and inspection work. There were 42 people on board when the blaze began, according to Chinese state media and Reuters.
Twelve people were safely evacuated from the vessel, while five others were taken to a hospital with injuries. The fire was eventually brought under control, but rescue teams continued working at the scene as authorities searched for people who had not made it out.
The vessel is a foreign-flagged dry bulk carrier that had been docked for repairs. The fire reportedly started at around 11:15 a.m. local time and was extinguished several hours later. Authorities have not yet announced what caused the blaze.
The tragedy has prompted a major emergency response, with officials working to account for everyone who was aboard the ship and determine how the fire spread so quickly.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for intensified rescue efforts and a thorough investigation into the incident. Officials have also been instructed to strengthen safety measures and determine what led to the deadly fire.
For now, families and authorities are left waiting for answers as investigators begin examining the circumstances surrounding one of the deadliest recent incidents involving a cargo vessel.