1 dead as boat catches fire in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A person died, another remain missing while six others were injured when a motorboat loaded with 200 barrels of gasoline caught fire and exploded in a private wharf in this city on Friday.

Maj. Chester Natividad, police station 11 chief, said M/L Laisa May was docked in Baliwasan Seaside when the accident occurred.

City fire marshal Chief Inspector Jacqueline Ortega said initial investigation showed the fire started when the victims were preparing to start the engine.

Probers said damage to property was initially pegged at P2 million.

Coast Guard personnel immediately implemented measures to prevent an oil spill.