Fire Outbreak at Hotel Riu Atoll: Guests Evacuated, Investigation Underway
Maldives — May 24, 2025
A fire broke out early Saturday morning at the luxurious Hotel Riu Atoll in Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives, prompting the evacuation of more than 300 guests and staff. Authorities have confirmed that while there were no fatalities, five people sustained minor injuries, mostly from smoke inhalation and minor burns.
The fire, which reportedly started around 3:20 a.m., quickly engulfed part of the resort’s central facilities, including the main kitchen and portions of the dining area. Guests were awakened by the hotel’s alarm system and were swiftly escorted out of their villas and rooms by emergency response staff.
Initial Panic Amid a Calm Response
According to eyewitness accounts, the initial moments of the incident were marked by panic as thick smoke filled the corridors of the main building. However, the situation was quickly brought under control thanks to the swift response of the resort’s emergency personnel and local fire services.
“I was fast asleep when I heard a loud alarm. At first, I thought it was a drill, but then the smell of smoke hit me,” said Lara Jensen, a tourist from Denmark staying with her family. “Hotel staff came running and directed us out of the building quickly. It was frightening, but their coordination kept us calm.”
Another guest, Ricardo Montoya from Argentina, captured video footage showing flames emerging from the central kitchen area. “You could see the glow from the flames across the water. The staff was brave—they ran into the smoky areas to help people out,” he said.
Fire Origin and Cause Under Investigation
Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have originated in the resort’s main kitchen, possibly due to an electrical fault. Officials from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Services are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause.
“We have contained the fire and are working closely with hotel management to assess the damage. At this point, the fire appears accidental, but we are not ruling out any possibilities until the investigation is complete,” said MNDF Fire and Rescue spokesperson Captain Hussain Sharif during a press briefing.
Electrical inspectors and forensic experts arrived at the scene by mid-morning, and drone footage was deployed to assess damage to hard-to-reach areas of the resort’s infrastructure.
Hotel Riu Atoll Temporarily Closed
As a safety precaution, Hotel Riu Atoll has suspended operations indefinitely. The hotel, part of the internationally renowned RIU Hotels & Resorts chain, issued a statement confirming that all guests have been safely evacuated and are being relocated to nearby resorts or returning home, depending on their travel plans.
“We are thankful that all guests and staff are safe. The safety and well-being of everyone at our resort remain our top priority. We are cooperating fully with local authorities to determine the cause of the fire and will begin restoration work as soon as it is safe to do so,” said José Miguel Rodríguez, General Manager of Hotel Riu Atoll.
Guests have been provided with meals, medical assistance, and support from RIU representatives to assist with their onward travel or temporary accommodation.
Eyewitnesses Praise Staff Heroism
Social media was flooded with messages of support and admiration for the hotel staff, several of whom reportedly risked their own safety to ensure guests were evacuated. One video, which has since gone viral, shows a staff member carrying an elderly guest on his back through thick smoke.
“The bravery they showed was incredible,” said Marcia Wong, a Canadian tourist. “They could have waited for help, but instead, they took immediate action. I can’t thank them enough.”
The Maldivian Ministry of Tourism also issued a statement commending the resort’s staff for their professionalism and the emergency services for their quick response. “This incident reminds us of the importance of preparedness and the critical role of trained personnel in ensuring tourist safety,” said Tourism Minister Ibrahim Waheed.
Economic and Environmental Concerns
Hotel Riu Atoll, which opened in 2019, is one of the largest resorts in Dhaalu Atoll and plays a significant role in the local economy. The temporary closure is expected to impact not only the hotel’s workforce but also local suppliers and transport services that depend on resort operations.
“We understand the impact this may have on our employees and the surrounding community. RIU is committed to supporting our staff during this period of uncertainty,” said Rodríguez.
Environmental concerns are also being raised, with marine conservation groups requesting access to assess whether any chemicals or debris from the fire may have entered the nearby lagoon. Authorities have assured that containment measures have been implemented and that environmental monitoring is ongoing.
Looking Ahead
The resort has not announced a timeline for reopening, though officials suggest that a phased restoration plan will likely begin within the next two weeks. Hotel Riu Atoll has promised full refunds or rebooking options to guests with upcoming reservations.
Travel agents and airlines are also assisting stranded guests, with several airlines offering free changes or early return flights to those affected.
As the Maldives continues to strengthen its reputation as a world-class tourist destination, the fire at Hotel Riu Atoll is a sobering reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness, even in paradise. Fortunately, thanks to the quick action of staff and emergency responders, a potentially tragic situation was averted.