Panicky Passengers Leap Off Burning Ferry

At least 17 people were killed when an overloaded ferry caught fire off a central Philippine city early Tuesday and panicked passengers jumped overboard without life jackets.

Reports on the number of casualties were conflicting. The Coast Guard counted 17 dead and 14 missing, while the Maritime Command placed the death toll at 23.

Rescuers said some of the deaths were due to the heat of the blaze, but a survivor said many passengers panicked when a fire alarm was raised and leaped into the water.

“We tried to look for life jackets but there were none,” said Emerlita Rosas, who suffered slight burns.