At least 70 dead following boat fire in the Philippines

 

TT

 

Published 15.38

 

At least 70 people perished in the massive boat fire in the province of Palawan, Philippines. Photo: Philippine Coast Guard/AP/TT

The death toll following a ferry fire in the Philippines has risen to 76, AFP reports.

A fire broke out on a ferry in the popular tourist province of Palawan on Wednesday evening. According to Philippine authorities, the number of confirmed fatalities has reached 76.

At the time the fire started, the ferry was en route from the capital, Manila, to the town of Coron. A survivor described hearing an explosion coming from the ferry's cargo hold.

Video footage from the scene shows the ferry partially engulfed in flames.

The Philippine Coast Guard stated that the remains would be transported to a port in the tourist town of Coron on Palawan Island.