Fire breaks out in engine room of Bell Island ferry

The MV Flanders ferry, one of two vessels that takepassengers and cars to and from Bell Island in Newfoundland's Conception Bay, is out of commission after a fire broke out in the engine room early Thursday afternoon.

A statement Thursday evening from Transportation and Infrastructure Department spokespersonMaria Browne said there were no injuries, but eight crew members were taken to hospital as a precaution. The fire was extinguished shortly after it started by emergency services, Browne said.

The Portugal Cove-St. Philip's fire department responded to the fire

Browne said thedepartment is assessing the damage and cause of the fire andthe Flanders is out of service until further notice.

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