Technical issue with parked van causes loud bang, sparking panic

The loud noise that rocked the Galolhu Kanmathi neighborhood of Male’ on Tuesday did not result from an explosion, but from a technical issue with a parked vehicle, according to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF).

Both the MNDF and police had responded to reports of an explosion from a van parked in the Galohu Kanmathi area on Tuesday afternoon.

In a press statement, the MNDF said the loud noise was believed to have resulted from a technical issue with the van, and not an explosive.

The MNDF said that it had ascertained there was no further threat, and handed over the scene to the police.

The police issued a statement saying that the MNDF had provided assurance the loud noise was not caused by an explosion, dangerous or otherwise.

Moments earlier the MNDF’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit was seen sweeping the van and the surrounding area, backed by armed soldiers and the police.

The incident did not result in any injuries.

The most common explosions in Maldives are gas cylinder explosions. In October last year, a gas cylinder explosion in HDh. Makunudhoo resulted in two fatalities.