FLAMES engulf a vessel loaded with gasoline in Zamboanga City on Friday night, May 8.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – A motor launch with over 100 drums of fuel for transport to Tawi-Tawi province was razed by fire Friday night, May 8, in a private wharf here.
ML Alkazer was loaded with nearly 140 drums of diesel when the fire broke out while it was anchored at the Taha Wharf in Barangay Baliwasan at around 5:30 p.m.
The Bureau of Fire Protection stated that the blaze started when a crew member turned on the engine, igniting fuel on board. The flames spread rapidly due to a fuel leak, engulfing the whole vessel.
Three crew members leaped into the sea to avoid being burned.
Arson probers said the vessel did not have any passengers, preventing casualties.
Firefighters quickly responded and put out the flames.
The vessel moved towards Zamboanga Boulevard due to the strong current.
Authorities quickly evacuated the shoreline where food stalls are operating.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office used Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to put out the blaze.
Authorities are probing the incident.