A Korean tanker burst into flames while sailing in a Chinese river.

Video shows the tanker named 'New Bright' exploding when the vessel is in the Yangtze River, near Sutong Bridge in China, on Thursday, December 22.

The ship was sailing downstream the river en route from the city of Changzhou, in the coastal Chinese province of Jiangsu, north of Shanghai, to the city of Incheon, in Korea, when the explosion happened.

All 22 crew members on board during the major blast were reportedly evacuated.

According to reports, the tanker developed a heavy starboard list and stern tilt but remained afloat with its automatic identification system (AIS) still on as of Friday, December 22.

Following the explosion, it appears that the fire consumed the area containing the cargo tank. However, the vessel was empty of cargo and in ballast at the time.

The tanker is currently surrounded by several tugboats and support vessels, indicating ongoing salvage efforts.

It was likely intentionally grounded to prevent sinking or capsising in or near the navigational route.