Raging fire on Philippines ferry leaves seven dead

A ferry carrying more than 130 people caught fire in the northeastern Philippines on Monday. The fire rapidly spread from the engine room to the upper passenger deck of the M/V Mercraft 2 while it was approaching to a port.

It had been en route to the town in Quezon province from Polillo Island. Seven passengers died from burns and drowning and one possibly had a heart attack.

Investigators were looking into the fire, and other ferries operated by the owner of Mercraft 2 would likely be suspended from operating while undergoing safety inspections.