M. Nirufehi garage fire: bodies of some victims to be returned to home countries
Earlier on Friday, MPS confirmed the identification of nine victims of the tragic fire
The fire broke out inside a garage in the capital
Authorities are to return the bodies of some of the victims of the tragic fire that broke out inside a house in Maafannu-ward of the congested capital Malé City early Thursday.
Maldives Police Service (MPS) revealed that they are currently working to send the bodies of some of the bodies back to their home countries, upon the request of their families.
This effort is being carried out with the cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective high commissions in the countries.
The police institution has not clarified how many bodies are being sent back to the families.
Earlier on Friday, MPS confirmed the identification of nine victims of the tragic fire.
Police have so far confirmed that there were 10 victims in the tragic garage fire and authorities had been working on the identification process of the victims.
The identified victims include three women and four men from India as well as two Bangladeshi nationals; a woman and a man.
Police are still working to identify the 10th victim, who has been identified as a man.
The High Commission of India earlier revealed that they are in contact with the families.
On Thursday, High Commissioner Munu Mahawar along with mission officials, met the evacuated Indian nationals and assured them of all possible assistance.
Investigations are also underway to determine the cause of the fire.
The fire broke out inside a garage on the ground floor of Nirufehi house in Maafannu ward near the Maaveyo Mosque.
It didn’t take long for the fire to spread throughout the entire building, according to authorities.
The fire was extinguished by 90 percent, by 03:56am and was completely doused at around 04:34am.
So far, more than MVR 90,000 has been spent in relief efforts in connection with the tragic fire.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Thursday met senior officials of relevant government agencies for discussions regarding the fire, and on measures to prevent them in the future.
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.
35 Maldivians were evacuated from four buildings in connection with the fire incident.
Out of 33 expatriates registered by the authority, 28 had been living in the building where the fire broke out.
Authorities have revealed that the Maldives Red Crescent and the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services is collaborating to provide psychosocial support for those affected.
NDMA is also conducting damage assessment works at the buildings affected by the fire.
