Norwegian police confirmed two people died and nine others were wounded Thursday morning when a fire broke out on board a cruise ship as it traveled from Bergen to Kirkenes.
According to reports, the blaze started in the engine room of the MS Nordlys following a small explosion around 9:20 a.m. All of the dead and wounded are crew members. Two of the wounded are in serious condition with severe burns. A total of 55 crew members were on board the Nordlys.
The 400-foot ship was safely evacuated and firefighters were called to extinguish the blaze. Authorities say about 100 of the 207 passengers were put on lifeboats before the ship reached the town of Alesund. The remaining passengers and crew members left the ship when it reached land. Cruise operator Hurtigruten ASA said staff members in Alesund are working to get passengers home or on an alternate cruise.
###
Click here for more World News
