20 killed, five missing in China cargo ship inferno

At least 20 people have died after a cargo ship caught fire while undergoing repairs at a shipyard in Qingdao, northeastern China, according to P.M. News.

The Liberian-flagged Ocean Melody, docked at Beihai Shipbuilding Co., caught fire at about 11am on Thursday, with 42 people aboard at the time. Twelve people were evacuated safely, while five others were injured and hospitalised in stable condition.

The blaze was brought under control by 2:30pm, though five people remained unaccounted for as rescue teams continued searching. President Xi Jinping ordered authorities to prioritise rescue efforts, while Premier Li Qiang directed officials to minimise further casualties. The cause of the fire has not yet been disclosed.