A petrol shed in Funadhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, exploded and burned to the ground on Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to nearby houses and sending more than 30 people to hospital with minor health problems.

The incident was first reported on Sunday morning, and it took more than three hours to bring the fire under control.

The blaze severely damaged five nearby houses, while the petrol shed was completely destroyed.

More than 30 people were hospitalised following the incident with minor complaints. No major casualties were reported.

The cause of the explosion has not been confirmed.