Garage fire: JP calls for thorough investigation, preventive measures

Jumhoory Party (JP) has called for a thorough investigation into a fire that broke out in a building in Maafannu district on early Thursday, killing at least 10 people.

The fire broke out in a car repair garage in M. Nirufehi, located near the Maaveyo Mosque, around 12:30 am. The garage is located on the ground floor, while the first-floor houses cramped living quarters for migrant workers – the only ventilation – a single window.

The quarters housed migrant workers from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.

10 people died, while one, identified as a Bangladeshi national, is in critical condition.

JP issued a statement expressing concern over the tragic fire Thursday morning.

JP conveyed condolences to the families of the victims, and prayed for patience.

The party called on the government to conduct a swift and through investigation into the fire, and take preventive measures to minimize such incidents.

According to authorities, the migrant quarters had housed at least 38 people.

28 people were evacuated out of the building, while nine people were initially reported missing.

Seven of them were found dead, while two were taken to Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) with severe burns. One of them died at the hospital, while the second, identified as a Bangladeshi national, is in critical condition.

Firefighters later recovered two more bodies from the building, raising the death toll 10.

Speaking to press, Colonel Ibrahim Rasheed, Commandant, MNDF Fire and Rescue Service said the dead bodies recovered from the scene were severely burnt, making it difficult to identify them or even determine their sex.