A fire broke out in a former accommodation block in Hulhumale' Phase 3 this evening.

Firefighters from the Maldives National Defence Force Male' Area Command and Hulhumale' Fire Station responded to the incident and worked to contain the blaze.

The fire was reported at 17:12, and has since been brought under control, according to MNDF.

Images released by the service showed large flames engulfing parts of the building, with thick black smoke billowing into the air.