ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines — Five people were injured when a motorboat caught fire in a dock in Barangay Rio Hondo in this city on Thursday.
Barangay chairman Jinnul Malik said the boat operator was preparing to start the engine when the boat, which was loaded with gallons of gasoline and diesel, exploded.
Malik said the boat was bound for Hadji Muhtamad in Basilan when the incident occurred.
The victims were taken to the Zamboanga City Medical Center for treatment.
Bureau of Fire Protection personnel failed to contain the fire as the motorboat drifted away from the dock.
The Philippine Coast Guard said there was no indication of an oil spill.