Police to deploy investigation team to Funadhoo following harbour fire

A fire that broke out at a fuel shed near the harbour in Sh. Funadhoo on Sunday has destroyed several buildings and damaged property beyond repair, while 18 people required medical assistance, police have said.

The fire started on Sunday morning and spread to nearby buildings before being fully extinguished at around noon through the combined efforts of police officers, firefighters and members of the public.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, the Maldives Police Service said several buildings and items of property in the area had been destroyed by the fire.

The affected properties include a motorcycle and engine repair garage, a warehouse, a vehicle parking garage and a residential house.

Police said the area had been cordoned off to facilitate an investigation into the cause of the fire.

"The area where the incident occurred has now been cordoned off. A special team from the Maldives Police Service's Major Crime Investigation Department is scheduled to travel to Sh. Funadhoo tomorrow morning to determine the cause of the incident, process the scene and assist with the investigation," police said.

According to police, 18 people received medical assistance following the incident.

They included a firefighter and a hospital employee who were treated for smoke inhalation.

The remaining 16 people required medical attention after sustaining injuries while attempting to reach safety following an explosion during the incident, or experiencing distress and panic.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said it was working to identify individuals and households requiring humanitarian assistance following the fire and arrange support for those affected.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established.