Explosion Rocks Ship Carrying 2,503 Cars
United Press International
JUNEAU, Alaska —
An explosion ripped through the main cargo bay of a burning freighter loaded with Japanese cars Thursday, the Coast Guard said.
The midafternoon explosion apparently was caused by a buildup of toxic gases from burning plastic and metal in the Coral Ace’s main hull, where the 2,503 Nissan cars bound for Los Angeles are stored. No injuries were reported.
Fire erupted on the vessel Tuesday. The 24-member Japanese crew has remained aboard, fighting the blaze, the Coast Guard said.
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