A fire incident occurred on Friday afternoon at Tower 5 of Hiyaa Flats located in Hulhumale Phase 2, and the MNDF Fire and Rescue Service has begun operations in the area.

As a safety precaution related to this incident, security services have been evacuating residents living in that tower from the building.

According to information received so far, the fire broke out in an AC outdoor unit installed on the balcony of the 24th floor apartment of that tower.

According to eyewitnesses and videos circulating on social media, thick black smoke was rising from the top of the tower, however, no flames were visibly seen from outside. Nevertheless, due to this incident, the smoke impact has been very severe throughout the area, and smoke smell has spread to the floor where the fire occurred as well as to the floors below.

No information has been received yet about any physical injuries to anyone in this incident.

MNDF is investigating matters related to this incident. However, further details regarding the cause of the incident have not yet been officially disclosed by the relevant authorities.