The Maldives Police Service has dispatched a team from its Major Crime Investigation Department to Shaviyani Funadhoo to determine what caused Sunday’s fire at a fuel shed near the island’s harbour, which destroyed several buildings and left 18 people needing hospital treatment.
The fire broke out at around 8:30 in the morning on 25 October at a privately operated petrol shed in the Funadhoo harbour area. Driven by strong winds, it spread to neighbouring property before it was brought under control at about noon.
Investigation Under Way
In a statement issued on Sunday night, police said the affected area had been cordoned off and an investigation opened. The specialist team was scheduled to travel to the island on Monday morning to process the scene, establish the cause of the blaze and support officers already working on the case.
Authorities have not yet said what started the fire. Local media reported that the shed was the only petrol outlet on the island.
Damage and Injuries
According to police, the flames reached a residential house, a motorcycle and engine repair garage, a warehouse and a small vehicle parking garage, all of which were damaged beyond repair. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said five households were affected and 33 people were moved to other locations as a precaution.
A total of 18 people were taken to hospital. Police said a firefighter and a hospital employee were treated for smoke inhalation, while the remaining 16 were hurt while escaping an explosion during the fire or were treated for shock and distress. The NDMA said none of the injuries were serious, and 14 of those treated had been discharged by Sunday afternoon.
Support for Affected Residents
The NDMA has arranged temporary shelter and food for five days for the 11 people who lived in the damaged house, and says it is identifying other households that may need humanitarian assistance. The authority noted that its figures could change as assessments continue.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu expressed concern over the incident in a social media post on Sunday evening, wishing the injured a swift recovery and hoping that those who lost property would soon return to normal life.
The President also thanked those who helped fight the fire, including the Maldives National Defence Force, police, fire and rescue teams from Funadhoo and Maafaru airports and a nearby resort, Shaviyani Atoll Hospital, the National Cadet Corps, Funadhoo Council, government agencies and island residents.
