AMAZONAS, BRAZIL - Denis Souza, 30, suffered burns over nearly 100% of his body in a fire that engulfed a boat towing a barge on the Paraná do Canta Galo, located between the municipalities of Novo Airão and Barcelos, in the interior of Brazil’s Amazonas state.

The incident occurred on Wednesday (October 1), resulting in the vessel sinking. According to initial reports, the fire started while workers were transferring fuel between.

An explosion in one of the engines is believed to have triggered the blaze. Souza was struck by the blast but managed to escape by jumping from the side of the barge.

A passing passenger boat stopped to assist and transported the victim to a hospital in Barcelos. According to a medical bulletin, his condition is critical.

Souza sustained burns across almost his entire body and suffered damage to his respiratory system. Medical staff are working to stabilize him before transferring him to a hospital in Manaus.

The Brazilian Navy has yet to comment on the incident.

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