Photos: 32 Dead in Bangladesh Ferry Fire

At least 32 people have died in a fire that broke out on a ferry packed with passengers in southern Bangladesh, according to AFP. The incident occurred early in the morning near the rural town of Jhalokati, located 250 kilometers south of the capital Dhaka. The ferry was carrying nearly 500 people.

The three-deck ferry, Obhijan 10, caught fire in the middle of the river. "We have found 32 bodies. The death toll may increase: most victims died from the fire, while some drowned trying to escape," said Moynul Islam, the local police chief, to AFP.

He stated that the fire likely broke out in the engine room. "About 100 people have been taken to hospitals in Barisal with burn injuries," he added.

Fires are a regular source of tragedy in Bangladesh. In July, a fire at a food and beverage factory in Rupganj killed 52 people.