Police have stated a special team will be sent today to investigate the major fire incident that occurred yesterday at Sh. Funadhoo.

Police said the fire broke out from the sole petrol shed in Funadhoo being run privately, and had spread to a residence, a motorcycle in the area, an engine repair garage, a warehouse and a small garage for parking vehicles, all of which have been burned beyond repair.

Police said last night that the area of the fire has been closed off and that an investigation has begun.

"A special team from the police's Major Crimes Investigation unit will be sent to Sh. Funadhoo tomorrow (today) in order to identify the cause of the incident, to process the scene and aid in the investigation," reads the message shared to the media by the police.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) stated yesterday that they have arranged temporary shelter and food arrangements for a duration of five days for 11 people living in one house damaged in the fire incident that occurred in Funadhoo.

The fire broke out at a privately owned petrol shed, "Faiymini", in the Funadhoo harbor area around 8:30 am yesterday morning. The fire was brought under control around 12:00pm yesterday afternoon. By then, the fire had already spread and caused significant damage.

According to the police, 18 people were sent to the hospital for treatment after sustaining various degrees of injuries. This includes a firefighter who was affected by smoke inhalation and a hospital staff member, said the police media official.

"The other 16 people include those who sustained various injuries when they attempted to protect themselves from the blast, and those who went into shock," the message sent to the media by the police said.