7 die in Philippine ferry fire; over 120 rescued from water

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A fire on a ferry in the northeastern Philippines has killed seven people and forced many others to jump into the water, where they were rescued by other vessels. The coast guard says all of the 134 passengers and crew aboard the vessel have been accounted for, with 24 injured people taken to a hospital. The fire spread rapidly from the engine room to the upper passenger deck as the ferry was approaching a port in Quezon province. An administrator in Real town says fishing boats and other vessels were able to approach quickly. Many of those rescued were in shock and had to be treated for burns and bruises and given dry clothes and shoes.