A fire at a workers’ accommodation building in ADh. Dhigurah early Friday morning led to the deaths of five expatriate workers.
Authorities believe the victims died from smoke inhalation after they were unable to escape the building once the fire started.
Fire broke out after midnight
Police said they received reports of the fire at about 1:57 am.
When officers arrived at the scene a minute later, flames were already rising from the kitchen area of the building.
The fire was brought under control by around 2:30 am through joint efforts by police officers and members of the public.
Workers trapped inside the building
Local reports say the accommodation block had only one entrance and exit. The door was located next to the kitchen where the fire began.
Because of this layout, several workers inside the building were unable to leave when the fire spread.
About 30 expatriate workers were believed to be living in the building at the time.
Did You Know?
2025 Trafficking in Persons Report: Maldives
Foreign migrant workers comprise approximately one-third of the population of Maldives, including at least 60,000 undocumented workers.
Rescue efforts
Rescuers had difficulty reaching the people trapped inside because of the limited access.
Police said a wall at the back of the building had to be broken down in order to reach the victims.
Seven unconscious individuals were taken from the building and transported to Dhigurah Hospital.
Victims and survivors
Five of the seven people taken to hospital were pronounced dead. All five victims were Bangladeshi nationals.
Two survivors were later transferred to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Malé for further treatment. They are currently receiving care for severe smoke inhalation and are on ventilator support.
Another individual who experienced psychological distress after the incident was treated at the local health centre and later discharged.
Possible cause of the fire
Dhigurah Island Council said early findings suggest the fire may have started due to a gas leak during cooking.
Some of the workers were asleep when the fire began.
Investigation underway
Police have sealed off the area and launched an investigation into the incident.
The Major Crime Investigation Department has been notified and a team travelled to Dhigurah on Friday morning.
The Human Rights Commission of Maldives has also begun reviewing the incident to determine whether any human rights violations may have occurred.
Concerns about worker accommodation
The incident has renewed concerns about safety conditions in shared housing used by expatriate workers.
In November 2022, a fire in Malé killed 10 expatriate workers who were trapped in accommodation above a garage.
Another fire in 2023 at an accommodation block in Gulhifalhu injured 76 people and caused one death.
Photo: Fire at Dhigurah, Photo Credits: MNDF
