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Philippine ferry fire death toll climbs to 76
Inquirer.net • • world
Key Points:
- The death toll from the Philippine ferry fire aboard the M/V June Aster has risen to 76 after 41 additional bodies were found, with remains being transported to Coron, Palawan for identification and temporary burial.
- Forensic teams are conducting DNA testing to identify victims, with relatives assisting by verifying personal belongings and providing DNA samples.
- The fire reportedly started in the cargo hold and spread rapidly, leaving passengers little time to react or wear life jackets; 30 passengers and 13 crew were rescued, while about a dozen remain missing.
- Families and the local community are deeply affected, with many searching for missing loved ones and expressing grief over the tragedy.
- The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in the Philippines' inter-island ferry system, which has experienced multiple deadly accidents, including a recent ferry sinking in January that killed at least 52 people.
