Five dead after fire engulfs Indonesian ferry

A fire swept through the Indonesian passenger ferry Mutiara Sentosa 2 on Sunday, killing five people as it sailed from Surabaya to Makassar. Authorities confirmed that all other passengers and crew were safely rescued or accounted for following a large-scale maritime operation. The vessel was carrying more than 230 people and about 180 vehicles, including trucks and an excavator.

The blaze broke out in waters off Madura Island, about 35 kilometers north of Buruan Sapudi Island. Survivors described scenes of panic as thick smoke engulfed the ferry, forcing many to jump into the sea. Hundreds were rescued by nearby vessels and the Indonesian Navy, with survivors taken to Surabaya for medical treatment.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee. Survivors reported hearing explosions shortly before flames erupted between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. local time, with one witness stating the fire appeared to originate from a truck on the lower vehicle deck. The ferry, built in 1992, has been operating in Indonesia since 2015. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated the government would review the ferry operator's safety procedures after the investigation concludes.

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The government would review the ferry operator's safety procedures after the investigation is completed.