OSLO, Norway (AP) — Police suspect an explosion in a ship’s engine room caused the fire that killed two crew, injured nine, and forced passengers to evacuate a popular cruise off Norway’s craggy western coast Thursday as heavy smoke billowed from the boat.
“Our suspicion is that there has been an explosion in the machine room,” Police Chief Yngve Skovly at Sunnmoere Police District said at a press conference.
Operator Hurtigruten ASA said nine other crew were taken to hospital, two with serious burns and smoke injuries.
Skovly said all 207 passengers — and most of the crew of 55 — on board the MS Nordlys are now accounted for.
Head of the fire brigade in Aalesund, Geir Thorsen said they are now in control of the fire, but the ship is taking in water.
