At least 20 people have been killed and five are missing after a fire broke out on a cargo ship docked at a Chinese port, state media reported, with one outlet putting the toll higher.
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Key facts
- A fire broke out aboard a cargo ship while it was docked at a Chinese port.
- State media said at least 20 people were killed and five are missing, according to Sky News.
- Al Jazeera reported that at least 25 people were killed in the incident.
- The blaze occurred at a Chinese shipyard, according to Al Jazeera.
At least 20 people have been killed and five others are missing after a fire broke out on a cargo ship while it was docked at a Chinese port, state media has said.
The figures were reported by Sky News, which cited Chinese state media in describing the scale of the disaster aboard the vessel.
Al Jazeera reported a higher toll, saying at least 25 people were killed after the fire broke out aboard a ship at a shipyard in China.
The differing figures reflect early and still-developing reporting on the incident. The exact circumstances that caused the fire have not been detailed in the available sources.
Both outlets place the blaze at a docked vessel in China, with Sky News describing it as a cargo ship in a port and Al Jazeera describing a ship at a shipyard. The number of casualties may change as authorities continue their response and investigation.
Why it matters
Fires aboard large vessels in busy ports pose serious risks to workers and crew, and can be difficult to contain in confined shipyard conditions. The significant loss of life underscores the dangers faced by those working on and around such ships.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were killed in the ship fire?
Sky News, citing state media, reported at least 20 people were killed and five are missing, while Al Jazeera reported at least 25 people were killed.
Where did the fire happen?
The fire broke out on a ship docked at a Chinese port, described by Al Jazeera as a shipyard in China.
What caused the fire?
The cause of the fire has not been detailed in the available reporting.
Timeline
- Fire onboard ship at Chinese shipyard kills 25 people
Al Jazeera: At least 25 people were killed after a fire broke out aboard a ship at a shipyard in China.
- At least 20 people killed after fire breaks out on cargo ship in Chinese port
Sky News: At least 20 people have been killed and five are missing after a cargo ship caught fire while docked in a Chinese port, state media has said.