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Police have deployed a Major Crime Investigation team to Shaviyani Funadhoo to investigate a major fire at a privately operated patrol shed that damaged nearby buildings and injured 18 people.
Mariyam Adheela
SH. FUNADHOO, Maldives: A special team from the Maldives Police Service’s Major Crime Investigation Department has travelled to Sh.Funadhoo to investigate the fire that broke out at a privately operated patrol shed on yesterday morning.
Police sent the team to determine the cause of the fire, examine the scene and collect evidence needed for the investigation.
The blaze spread to nearby properties, causing extensive damage to a motorcycle and engine repair garage, a vehicle parking area, another shed and a residential house, leaving the affected buildings unusable.
A fuel tank reportedly exploded during the incident, sending parts flying approximately 200 feet away. Several people nearby were reportedly injured by the explosion.
A total of 18 people received medical treatment following the incident. They included a firefighter and a hospital employee who were treated for smoke inhalation, as well as 16 people who were injured while fleeing the scene or sought treatment after experiencing shock.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said the fire affected five houses, prompting the temporary relocation of 33 people as a safety measure.
The authority has also arranged temporary accommodation and food for 11 residents from one of the damaged homes for five days.
Police are continuing their investigation to establish what caused the fire and how it spread to surrounding properties.
