A man has been severely burnt following an explosion aboard an oil boat in Ungoofaaru island of Raa atoll.

Speaking to RaajjeMV on the matter, island council chief Abdul Naseer Ali said that the accident occurred at around 08:45 p.m on Sunday night and that many had witnessed the explosion onboard the oil boat lying on the island's reef.

The island council chief said that a man was severely burnt in the explosion and another had also been injured. The injured individuals are currently being treated at Ungoofaaru Hospital. 

Both are crew members of the vessel and the man severely burnt is reportedly an expatriate.

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) had confirmed that the accident had been reported to them, and said that they are currently investigating the matter.