4 fire victims remain in hospital; no sign of missing man: Afcons

All but four of the 78 people who were rushed to the hospital with injuries after a fire broke out at  Afcons' accommodation block in Gulhifalhu island have been released, the company said Saturday.

After Friday morning's fire at the site, which housed a total of 457 employees, the company said:

"Except for the four patients who underwent surgery, all other staff members who were taken to the hospital have now been discharged from the hospital," the statement read.

Afcons said the army and police were searching for the man who was reported missing after the fire as he had not yet been found. It is learnt that an Indian-origin truck driver has gone missing.

According to Afcons, MNDF searched the burnt site after receiving reports of the man's disappearance, but found no human remains.

Afcons employees staged a protest in Gulhifalhu on Saturday, alleging that they had not been able to meet some of the basic requirements they were entitled to.

"The basic requirements required to be fulfilled for the employees affected by the fire have been completed," Afcons said in the statement.

Afcons said it has provided cash assistance, including incomings, boxes, mobile phones and cash.

The Indian contractor working on the Greater Male Connectivity Bridge has denied reports that some employees have not been paid their salaries, saying they are being paid on time.

Afcons said the safety and well-being of its employees is one of the top priorities of the company.