China cargo ship fire claims 20 lives, leaves 5 people missing UPDATED

At least 20 people were killed in a fire aboard a foreign vessel undergoing repairs in China, Xinhua reports.

A total of 42 people were on board the vessel. Twelve were evacuated, while five others were injured and hospitalised; their condition is currently stable. Another five people remain missing.

The shipyard is owned by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a prompt investigation into the cause of the fire.

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A fire aboard a foreign cargo ship undergoing repairs at Beihai Shipyard in Qingdao, China, on September 10 left several people dead.

The vessel was docked for repairs at the shipyard in Shandong Province when the fire broke out, causing significant loss of life, Caliber.Az reports via Chinese media.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the country to which the vessel belongs or the exact number of casualties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed authorities to accelerate the search and rescue of missing people, provide assistance to those affected, and determine the cause of the fire as soon as possible.

By Jeyhun Aghazada