Following the tragic fire incident in ADh. Dhighurah which claimed the lives of five Bangladeshi men and critically injured two others, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman extending condolences and vowing a thorough investigation into the incident.
In the letter, President Muizzu stated that the government and people of Maldives extend deepest condolences to the Prime Minister, the government of Bangladesh, bereaved families and everyone affected by the incident, wishing a speedy recovery to those currently under treatment.
The President stressed that the Bangladeshi community in the Maldives play a valuable role in society.
He asserted that he has instructed relevant authorities to ensure a swift and thorough investigation into the incident, and to take measures to ensure such incidents do not reoccur.
The fire, which broke out at an expatriate accommodation block in ADh. Dhigurah at 2am on Friday, led to the death of five individuals. Three others were injured, two of whom were transferred to Male' for additional medical attention as their conditions were critical. The third was treated at the island's Health Centre and later discharged.
The two currently hospitalized in IGMH in Male' remain on ventilator support, with the hospital stating that their conditions remain serious. One of them suffered 24% TBSA burns, while the other sustained 17%. Both were also severely affected by smoke inhalation, causing damage to their lungs.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the fire originated from a gas leak, and subsequent explosion of a gas canister. However, authorities are yet to release an official statement.
The accommodation block reportedly housed 30 Bangladeshi men. At the time of the fire, two had been engaged in cooking, while the others had been asleep.
Rescuers had to break down a wall to access trapped fire victims.
