Funadhoo petrol shed fire damages homes and injures 16

A major fire broke out at the Faiymini Petrol Shed in Sh. Funadhoo, Maldives, on Sunday morning. The blaze, which originated at the privately operated fuel station, spread rapidly through a residential area due to strong winds, causing significant damage to local properties.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that four houses and five garages or workshops were affected, with one house sustaining severe damage. Emergency responders, including the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), airport firefighters from Funadhoo Airport, and local police, worked to contain the flames. During the incident, sounds of explosions were reported in the area.

Funadhoo Hospital treated 16 people for various conditions, including burns, smoke inhalation, and loss of consciousness. The patients included 12 men and four women, with six individuals treated for burns, though no serious injuries were reported. Residents of neighboring houses were evacuated as a precaution, and authorities are currently assessing the need for humanitarian assistance.