Wednesday 18 Mar 2026
Fire at an expatriate accommodation block in ADh. Dhigurah that resulted in the deaths of five people on March 13, 2026.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has said it is providing assistance in connection with the fatal fire in ADh. Dhigurah early Friday, which killed five foreign workers and left two others injured.
The incident has renewed public concern over the safety of migrant workers in the Maldives, with many noting that several past fires in foreign worker accommodations have resulted in multiple deaths and that stronger preventive measures are needed.
NDMA said it received information about the fire on Friday morning and immediately contacted police and the island council to verify the number of occupants, their condition, and whether anyone required emergency assistance.
“Under the assistance rules, all locals and foreigners who lose their homes in such incidents are provided equal support during the response phase,” the authority said. The council confirmed that no one other than the residents of the affected house required assistance.
According to NDMA, all survivors are in stable condition except for two individuals who remain under treatment.
Police said the fire broke out in a house occupied by foreign workers and was caused by a gas leak. Five people were killed, and rescuers had to break through a basement wall to reach those trapped inside. Local media reported that the building had only one entry and exit point, located next to the kitchen where the fire began, leaving occupants with no escape route.
Similar tragedies have occurred in the past, including a fire in a migrant accommodation block that killed 10 people.
Police said further details about the victims will be released after the investigation is complete.
