Fire razes 20 boats

BATAM, Riau: At least 20 boats belonging to fishermen from Meral village in Tanjungbalai Karimun regency were destroyed in a fire Wednesday night, Antara reported yesterday.

West Riau police chief Lt. Col. Yose Rizal said the cause of the fire was still unknown and that no casualties were reported from the incident.

The news agency quoted witnesses as saying a huge explosion sent a fireball high into the sky during the conflagration. (aan)