Two injured in vessel explosion in Maalhos lagoon

Two men have been seriously injured in an explosion aboard a vessel in Alifu Alifu atoll Maalhos lagoon.

The incident occurred around 8:45 pm tonight.

According to police, the victims, both expatriates, suffered severe burns and were initially treated at the Maalhos Health Centre.

They are currently being transported to Male' for further treatment.

The explosion took place on a vessel called Nasru 7, which is used to transport sand.

The vessels owner, Ahmed Latheef said that the victims were Indian nationals, aged 40 and 33.

Latheef said the cause of the explosion is believed to be a battery in the engine room, although investigations are ongoing.

While the two men sustained serious injuries, the vessel itself did not suffer major damage.

Photographs obtained by Mihaaru News show extensive burn injuries on multiple areas of the victims’ bodies.