President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has met senior officials of relevant government agencies to hold discussions regarding the tragic fire that broke out inside a house in Maafannu-ward of the congested capital Malé City around 12:30 am Thursday , that took the lives of 10. The fire was fully controlled around 4;00 am Thursday.

At the meeting held at the President’s Office on Thursday afternoon, President Solih inquired about the response of relevant government agencies following the fire.

The meeting also saw President Solih urging relevant stakeholders to conduct prompt investigations to determine the cause of the fire.

He also urged the authorities to ensure transparency in disclosing information to the public and instructed them to expedite the identification of the deceased as well as to assist those affected by the fire.

Relevant authorities were also instructed to enhance efforts to inspect the accommodation arrangements of foreign workers and compile a plan to relocate workshops and vehicle garages in residential areas.

Further, the president assured that his administration would take steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

The tragic fire incident in the congested capital, Malé City early Thursday, took the lives of 10 and President Solih earlier assured that the required action will be taken in connection with the fire incident, while visiting the fire site to inquire about the relief and response efforts.

The president stressed that this is the biggest and most dangerous incident to have occurred in the capital in recent history and praised the tireless efforts of the fire and rescue teams.

President Solih stated that one of the biggest reasons such incidents occur, is the fact that the capital is one of the most congested cities. He noted that the first concern that needs to be addressed is the issue of congestion and the conditions in which people live in.

President Solih also stressed on the importance of improving the building code within construction projects undertaken in the capital.

The fire broke out inside a garage on the ground floor of Nirufehi house in Maafannu ward near the Maaveyo Mosque in the congested capital, Malé City. The death toll of the incident sits at 10.

It didn’t take long for the fire to spread throughout the entire building, according to authorities.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) dispatched a fire and rescue team to the location immediately. MNDF received reports of the fire at around 12:30am on Thursday. The fire was extinguished by 90 percent, by 03:56am and was completely doused at around 04:34am.

Residents of nearby buildings were evacuated due to the intensity of the blaze and some individuals were treated after being affected by the smoke. A team of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was also active at the scene, to provide assistance for those severely affected by the smoke.

Mostly expatriates were affected by the smoke. A large number of expatriates are to have been residing in the building where the fire broke out. The garage is located on the ground floor and the first floor of the building houses migrant workers. 12 expatriates were living in the garage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and authorities are yet to clarify the extent of the damages.

One of the two individuals taken to the hospital succumbed to injuries, with the other person being in critical condition.

Bodies found inside the residence have been taken to the mortuary, according to MPS.