A fire has broken out at a print shop at GA. Kolamaafushi.

Kolamaafushi Council's vice president Shahamath Haneef told 'One' on Tuesday that what caused the fire has not been determined as of yet, but it is believed to be due to a power shortage.

She added that the print shop is located in a residential house and the fire has been controlled.

"The print shop has completely burnt down but police and council staff and residents were able to salvage the furniture and goods in the house. We were unable to salvage anything from the print shop though," Shahamath said.

She added that the property next to the print shop used to house gas cylinders, but it is not clear whether there were any gas cylinders at the property during the time of the fire. She further added that the owner is currently out of Maldives.

An eyewitness told 'One' that they heard a loud noise from the print shop and the place got engulfed in flames. The incident occurred around 1210hrs.

"I was on the way to the school when I heard the explosion. I saw the fire and told the people who were behind me to call the police and public for help. We could hear explosions and see black smoke," the eyewitness said.

The expat worker at the printshop said the shop was open in the morning and was closed for afternoon prayers when the incident occurred.

Police and MNDF have cordoned off the area and are investigating the incident.