BroadCom urges to rely on trustable sources for reporting on the fire

Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom) has urged media outlets to rely on trustable sources for reporting on the fire which broke out at M. Nirufehi, in Male’ City, on early Thursday morning.

In a statement released on Thursday, BroadCom said that they urge media outlets to rely on trustable sources, especially statements by official authorities, whilst reporting news to ensure the deliverance of correct information for the public.

They also expressed grievances over the tragic incident, and conveyed condolences to families in mourning in their statement. BroadCom also thanked broadcasters for their role in bringing the latest updates of the incident to the public, without hesitance.

In their statement, BroadCom also called on media outlets to adhere to the code of practice of broadcasting, and the code of conduct for journalists whilst reporting at this difficult period of time.

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.

According to authorities, the migrant quarters had housed at least 38 people, and there were cooking gas cylinders placed next to each bed. 28 were rescued, of which nine remain under NDMA’s care; six women and three men.