There has been a fire on board a speedboat carrying President Abdulla Yameen from the airport to Malé, upon his return from Saudi Arabia.
The incident took place as the boat approached Izzuddin Jetty.
Some people have been taken to the hospital.
15:41
First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim sustained four spine fractures in the explosion, and Head of President’s Protocol Fathimath Solih and President’s bodyguard Abdul Nasir sustained burns to their hands and legs.
First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim has been advised by doctors to take bed rest for three weeks.
Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said in a tweet after visiting the hospital, “Visited President Yameen & his wife at IGMH this morning. President well & unharmed. His wife stable & resting. Wish her a speedy recovery.”
Visited President Yameen & his wife at IGMH this morning. President well & unharmed. His wife stable & resting. Wish her a speedy recovery.
President Abdulla Yameen leaves the hospital following the explosion on the speedboat on Monday, 28 September 2015 – Sun photo: Fayaz Moosa
13:41
Hamdhoon says the speedboat is being checked by a forensic team.
Head of Investigation Command, Chief Superintendent of Police Hamdhoon Rasheed talks to the media on Monday, 28 September 2015 – Sun photo: Fayaz Moosa
13:35
Head of Investigation Command, Chief Superintendent of Police Hamdhoon Rasheed says requests have been made from Australia and the US for assistance in the investigation.
13:33
Police have requested help from foreign groups in the speedboat explosion investigation.
13:14
Main opposition party MDP has called on all government authorities to investigate the explosion on the boat carrying President Yameen, and take action against those who were negligent.
12:59
Ruling party PPM has issued a statement, saying that the explosion on the boat carrying President Yameen has caused great concern among PPM members and Maldivian citizens. PPM also called for a speedy investigation and action following this incident.
11:49
Mohamed Hussain Shareef says Abdul Nasir, the President’s bodyguard, suffered serious injuries in the explosion.
Abdul Nasir was first taken to the airport, and later to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). Details of his injuries remain unclear.
09:42
Minister at President’s Office Mohamed Hussain Shareef has confirmed that First Lady Fathimath suffered minor injuries.
He told Public Service Media (PSM) in an interview that three people were injured in the incident – the first lady, President Yameen’s bodyguard Abdul Nasir, and President’s Office protocol member Fathimath Solih.
He added that the matter is under investigation.
09:02
Sun has received information that President Yameen was not injured, and First Lady Fathimath also did not suffer any serious injuries.
MDA Leader Siyam is also uninjured and safe.
The cause of the fire remains unclear.
08:51
Sun Reporter at Izzuddin Jetty says some victims have been taken ADK Hospital, and others to Senehiya (military) Hospital.
08:50
The First Lady is being treated at the hospital following the incident. Details of her injuries remain unclear. MDA Leader Ahmed Siyam Mohamed was also on board the speedboat.
08:48
Sources have told Sun Online that a loud noise was followed by smoke, and a blast.
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