Massive Fire Engulfs Indonesian Ferry; Around 280 Passengers Leap Into Sea to Escape

A massive fire erupted on a packed passenger ferry off the coast of Indonesia today, forcing around 280 people on board to leap into the ocean to escape the blazing inferno. The KM Barcelona VA vessel was on a journey from the Talaud Islands to Manado City when the fire erupted off the coast of North Sulawesi. The blaze reportedly broke out around 1200 PM IST as panic ensued onboard. Flames quickly consumed the upper decks of the vessel. There were no immediate reports on casualties.