At Least 37 Dead, 100 Injured in Bangladesh Ferry Fire (Video)

At least 37 people were killed and about 100 injured after a packed ferry caught fire in southern Bangladesh, local officials announced on Friday.

Reports revealed that the blaze on the three-decked vessel took place mid-river near the town of Jhalakathi as it sailed from the capital Dhaka towards the Barguna town.

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The vessel was reportedly carrying 500 people. Some of the victims drowned after jumping into the water.

Officials noted that the number of casualties in Friday's disaster is likely to increase as many of the injured passengers have severe burns.

"The three-story Obhijan 10 caught fire mid-river. We have recovered 32 bodies," local police chief Moinul Islam told the AFP news agency.

"The death toll may rise. Most died from the fire and a few by drowning after they jumped into the river," he said.

Notably, ferry accidents are not uncommon in Bangladesh with mishaps blamed on poor maintenance, lax safety standards, and overcrowding.