Foreign experts to join in police probe of govt office block blaze

Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau said on Saturday that the Maldives police will be assisted by a team of foreign experts in the investigation into a massive fire that that burned down a block of government buildings in Male’ City earlier this week.

The fire broke out at a block of government buildings located in the Ameenee Magu of Male’ City at around 06:00 am on Thursday. The buildings housed the Housing Ministry, Infrastructure Ministry, Environment Ministry and three sections of the Male’ City Council – including the Vital Registration Department.

Speaking to reporters outside Dharubaaruge on Saturday afternoon, Shujau said a team of foreign experts will join the investigation “in the next two or three days.”

“The reason for this is because the people want to know the cause of this massive fire. And we are also doing this because the findings of such investigations are crucial to preventing such incidents in the future,” he said.

Shujau said the forensic police are operating at the scene of the fire to collect evidence. He added that the police are also questioning eye witnesses and analyzing footage from the CCTV cameras in the area.

 “I believe that through these efforts, and once the team of foreign experts join us, we will be able to provide additional information to the people without much delay,” he said.

Shujau declined to comment on what the police believe to be the cause of the fire, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

The fire had also affected nearby buildings, with at least 27 people evacuated from neighboring homes.

The fire has disrupted the services of three government ministries and the city council. Preparations are underway to have the three ministries run out of the Dharubaaruge, a convention center located in the capital.

The fire had broken out just ahead of work hours, and did not result in any injuries.