Police have said today that rescuers had to break through walls to reach trapped victims in last night's tragic fire at an expatriate accommodation block in ADh. Dhigurah.
Police released a detailed report of the incident today.
Reports of the incident were received at 1:57am last night, with Police responding to the scene at 1:58am, according to the report.
Roaring flames could be seen rising from the residence's kitchen at the time. Police and the public made a joint effort to reach trapped victims, and broke down the back wall of the house, Police said.
Upon entry, rescuers came across seven people who had fallen unconscious. They were all taken out of the house and transferred to the island's health centre. At this point, Police had found that five men in the house were already deceased.
Two people suffered severe smoke inhalation and were transferred to Male' for further treatment, Police said.
All victims of the incident are from Bangladesh, Police confirmed.
Police, working together with the public, were able to bring the fire under control by around 2:30am.
The area of the fire has now been cordoned off. A team from Police's Major Crime Investigations is now at Dhigurah to lead the investigation into the incident. They are undertaking forensic testing to identify the cause of the blaze.
Police expressed gratitude to Dhigurah residents for aiding in fire control and rescue efforts.
The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has also launched an investigation into the incident.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) said today that two of the victims injured in the fire are currently on ventilator support and their condition is serious.
They also confirmed that the bodies of the five expatriates deceased in the incident have been brought to Male' as testing is required.
