Gas cylinder blast: One burn victim on ventilator; 41 people in temporary housing

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) states that 41 people have been displaced and provided with temporary accommodation following a severe gas cylinder explosion at a residence in Malé early this morning. One expatriate remains on ventilator support after sustaining critical burn injuries in the incident.

The incident occurred at G. Dhoogas Villa and was reported to the police at approximately 5:27am.

According to the NDMA, the fire broke out in a five-bedroom apartment located within the two-story building. Fifteen expatriates residing in the apartment were safely evacuated. The authority is also assisting 26 residents of a neighboring building whose water supply was disrupted by the explosion.

In this regard, a total of 41 people from both the affected building and the neighboring building have been provided temporary housing. 

Efforts are ongoing to provide essential shelter and emergency assistance to those affected. The NDMA said the sponsors of the expatriate workers have been contacted and instructed to make arrangements for suitable long-term accommodation and support for their employees.

The NDMA continues to coordinate relief efforts in collaboration with relevant authorities. Four individuals were transported to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) for medical treatment, including three Indian nationals and one Sri Lankan national.

One of the victims remains in critical condition and is on ventilator support, while the other three sustained burns of varying severity. The nationality of the individual currently receiving treatment on a ventilator has not been confirmed.