MALE, Nov 10:
Nine Indians were among 10 people who died early today when a major fire broke out in the garage below a cramped living quarters that housed foreign workers here in the Maldivian capital, authorities said.
The fire broke out in the M. Nirufehi area near the Maaveyo Mosque around 12:30 am.
Ramdhir Singh, Welfare Officer, working in the Indian High Commission here, said that 10 people were confirmed dead, of which nine were Indian nationals. “We are yet to ascertain the nationality of another victim,” he added.
The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), which was active on site with an emergency response team, said that the recovered bodies included nine Indians, and one Bangladeshi national, The Edition news portal reported.
“Authorities are currently investigating the scene of incidence, and attempting to scan the area for possible further casualties,” the MNDF said.
In New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that local authorities are engaged in identifying the dead bodies. (PTI)