10 hurt after speedboat catches fire in Zamboanga City

At least 10 people were injured after a speedboat owned by a mayor of Basilan caught fire at Tres Marias Wharf in Barangay Baliwasan, Zamboanga City.

Personnel of the barangay and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) responded immediately to extinguish the fire.

BFP said the speedboat owned by Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan Mayor Arsina Kahing- Nanoh was about to depart when the engine reportedly exploded upon starting.

When the fire broke out, the 20 people on board, including the mayor, jumped into the sea.

The mayor is safe but 10 passengers sustained minor burns and were brought to the hospital for treatment.

“This vessel was bound to Muhtamad municipality. Before it departed, a small fire and explosion occurred underneath the engine,” BFP-Zamboanga City Intelligence and Investigation Section Chief, SF03 Garry Fernandez, said.

The cost of damage was estimated at P1 million.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the mayor and the passengers affected, as of this writing.

Investigation into the incident continues. —GMA Regional TV