News Desk
The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has opened an investigation into a deadly fire that killed five foreign workers on Alif Dhaal Dhigurah yesterday.
The blaze broke out inside a house used as an accommodation block for migrant workers. Five Bangladeshi nationals died in the incident, while two others with severe burn injuries were airlifted to Malé and are now on ventilators at IGMH. A third injured worker was treated at the island health centre and later discharged.
In a statement, the HRCM said it was deeply saddened by the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the victims. The commission said it is monitoring the condition of the injured and assessing whether any human rights violations or restrictions may have contributed to the incident.
Police said the fire was reported at 01:57am. Officers and island residents broke through the wall of the building to rescue those trapped inside. Seven people were taken to the island health centre, where five were pronounced dead. The fire was brought under control around 02:30am.
A special team from Malé, including forensic officers and a medical doctor, has travelled to Dhigurah to determine the cause of the fire. Early accounts from residents suggest the blaze may have started from a gas leak while two workers were cooking, though authorities have not yet issued an official confirmation.
Locals said around 30 foreign workers were living in the house.
The incident has renewed concerns about the conditions of migrant worker accommodation blocks, which rights groups have long criticised as overcrowded, unsafe and lacking basic standards of dignity. Supervision of such facilities falls under the responsibility of island councils, raising further questions about oversight and enforcement. Dhigurah has a population of 761, of which 29 percent are foreigners.
Dhigurah lies about 98 kilometres south of Malé, a distance usually covered in just over two hours by speedboat.
Several fatal incidents in recent years have been linked to poor living conditions and inadequate safety measures.
Police have cordoned off the area and the Major Crime Investigation Department is conducting a full forensic inquiry.
