Maafannu Senrose, Iskandharu Magu, housed a number of foreign expatriates. With 28 very small rooms, each containing a gas cylinder for cooking. All the gas cylinders had exploded in the fire.

According to the owner of the garage, the residents included Bangladeshi and Indian expatriate workers. It is believed that the highest number of deaths included Indian nationals, however it is yet to be confirmed by the authorities.

According to Disaster Management Center 18 Maldivians and 13 expatriates have been evacuated to temporary shelters.

Some foreigners living in the houses near the garage have now been taken to the football field in front of the traffic police building on Ameenee Magu. There are some Maldivian nationals among them. They were relocated due to nearby houses being evacuated.

Officials say 10 people have died so far in the incident in Male' city last night. All victims are foreigners working in the garage.

The western part of the garage building is three stories high and has a wooden deck. According to local residents, it was a place where foreigners lived. The adjacent Senrose house was also badly damaged by the fire.

The garage has been subject to fire incidents in the past as well.

Police have stated that 14 people were rescued from the location.