No sign of an explosion: MNDF

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has said that there were no signs of an explosion despite having responded to reports of an explosion inside a van parked at 'Galolhu Kanmathi' in Male'.

Police confirmed that no persons had been injured in the incident.

MNDF said that having received the report, they are acting as per procedures. They said that investigations so far have not revealed any signs of an explosion having taken place.

"We will share further details as we receive them," they said.

MNDF's Bomb Squad is active at the scene.

An eye witness who was at the location when the explosion was heard says they believe it could have been the van's air conditioning unit's compressor that had exploded. He confirmed that a loud bang had been heard at the time.

No damage to the van can be observed from outside.