Dhaka, April 8 -- No casualties have been reported, said local police station chief Sujon Kumar Pal, adding that the fire broke out around 4 am on Thursday.

The Bhola-bound ferry, Kalmilota, left a pier in Lakshmipur and caught fire after it reached the middle of the river, he said.

Staff and passengers moved to safety in the rear of the ferry. Later, they were rescued by a fishing trawler. A total of 11 trucks were in the ferry.

The official could not confirm if the fire originated from the ferry or one of the trucks.

The firemen took another ferry to reach the Kolmilota to douse the fire, said Bhola BIWTC Manager Mohammad Parvez.

Afterwards, the ferry anchored at an island in the river .

Mosquito repellent coils used by the truck ...