At least eleven people are dead and 15 others are missing after a fire broke out early Thursday morning in the Maldivian capital, Malé.
Authorities are not yet clear how many people have died, although they have confirmed that the death toll has been put at 11, according to the ‘Mihaaru’ newspaper.
Police have not identified the cause of the fire at this stage, while they have reported that the Serious and Organized Crime Department is investigating the incident.
The fire was difficult to control, as a large number of gas cylinders exploded.
The fire broke out in a car garage at midnight on Thursday, and was completely extinguished at 04.34 am. Meanwhile, the second floor houses cramped housing for migrant workers from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.
According to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Service, 28 people have been evacuated from the building, reports the Sun newspaper.
A group of Maldivian Red Crescent volunteers are providing first aid and psychological support to the victims.
The newspaper reports that the site has been the scene of two previous fires, the last one two months ago.
