Speedboat Cathes Fire in Sanur

Denpasar (Antara Bali) - A speedboat carrying 31 passengers caught fire on its way from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan in Bali province on Saturday, leaving five people injured.

All the victims, one of them French tourist, were rushed to a nearby hospital, spokesman of the Denpasar city police Adj Comr Ida Bagus Made Sarjana said.

Four of the victims were allowed to return home after receiving medical treatment, while the French tourist identified as Monched was referred to BMC Kuta hospital at his own request, he said.

The speedboat which left Sanur beach at around 09.00 a.m. local time caught fire 50 meters away from the beach, eyewitnesses said.

All passengers panicked, with some of them jumping into the sea to avoid the fire.

Sarjana said some of the injured were seated in the back row close to the source of fire.

Four of the victims sustained minor injuries, with one of them identified as Ketut Arti suffering burns on his leg and foot, he said.

He said the other victims, identified as Kadek Putra (44), Komang Sudarsana (34), and Made Ariawan (38) were rushed to Sanglah General Hospital in Denpasar.

Police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

"Our officers are still investigating the case and the skipper is still being questioned," he said. (DWA)