Funadhoo Petrol Shed Fire: Major Crime Investigation team dispatched to the island for further inquiry
26 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 07:42A special police task force is currently investigating the cause of a major fire at a petrol station in Sh. Funadhoo, which left 18 people injured and caused extensive damage to nearby garages and a residential home. The incident has resulted in a complete fuel shortage on the island as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
Firefighters are currently working to extinguish a fire that broke out at a fuel shed located in the harbor area of Sh. Funadhoo. | MNDF
Police have announced that a specialized team from the Major Crime Investigation Department will conduct a further inquiry into the dangerous fire that broke out at a fuel shed in the Sh. Funadhoo harbor area.
The fire was reported at 8:15 a.m. on Sunday. According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), the blaze was completely extinguished by 12:05 p.m. The firefighting efforts were carried out through the joint cooperation of the MNDF, the police, and members of the public.
Police stated that the fire, which originated at the Funadhoo petrol shed, spread rapidly to nearby structures. The blaze caused extensive damage to a motorcycle and engine repair garage, a warehouse, a small parking garage, and a residential home, leaving them all damaged beyond use.
Police reported that a total of 18 individuals received medical assistance following the incident. Among them were a firefighter and a hospital staff member, both of whom were treated for smoke inhalation. The remaining 16 individuals included those who sustained various injuries while seeking safety following an explosion during the incident, as well as several others who required medical attention for shock and anxiety.
Police stated that the area where the incident occurred has been cordoned off and closed. A specialized team from the Maldives Police Service's Major Crime Investigation Department is scheduled to arrive in Sh. Funadhoo on Monday to process the scene and conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has identified those in need of humanitarian assistance following the incident and has initiated efforts to provide them with necessary aid.
The cause of the fire that broke out at "Faiymini," the only privately operated petrol shed in Funadhoo, remains unclear.
The island of Funadhoo is facing a severe fuel shortage following a fire that completely destroyed its petrol station. The local council is reportedly in discussions with the government to find alternative ways to restore the petrol supply.
