Two men in ICU after explosion in Maalhos vessel

Two men injured in a vessel explosion in Alifu Alifu atoll Maalhos lagoon last night are being treated in intensive care, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) said.

The victims, both Indian nationals, aged 40 and 33 sustained serious burn injuries when the incident occurred at around 8:45 pm aboard a vessel used for sand extraction named Nasru 7.

Initially treated at the Maalhos Health Centre, the men were later transferred to Male' for further treatment.

An IGMH spokesperson speaking with Mihaaru News said that both patients remain in critical condition in the hospital’s intensive care unit.

Photographs obtained by Mihaaru News show severe burns across large areas of the victims’ bodies.

The vessel’s owner, Ahmed Latheef, said the explosion is believed to have originated from a battery in the engine room, although the exact cause remains under investigation.

Despite the serious injuries to the crew, Latheef said that the vessel itself sustained minimal damage.