A devastating mass fire incident was seen taking place at the Manta fishing port in Ecuador, completely destroying at least 35 vessels and leaving two people seriously injured.
Up to 20 boats were first engulfed in the massive flame as the rapidly spreading inferno soon spread to other boats nearby. According to reports from local media outlets, the disaster started at a crowded dock along Ecuador's Pacific coast. Highly flammable materials like fiberglass were used in the construction of the small and medium-sized fishing boats, causing the blaze to spread quickly across the water.
Among the 35 boats that were destroyed, authorities confirmed that the loss of 14 bigger fishing boats and 21 smaller crafts was involved. Two people reportedly suffered from critical injuries, and one individual reportedly sustained second-degree burns across 50% of their body. Meanwhile, the second victim suffered burns covering 80%, and both of them were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Tugboat and port authorities assisted in bringing the blaze under control and preventing further spread to nearby infrastructure. The area is now being assessed for future fuel leaks and ecological damage as investigations continue.