diff --git a/app/src/main/java/fr/free/nrw/commons/nearby/fragments/NearbyParentFragment.java b/app/src/main/java/fr/free/nrw/commons/nearby/fragments/NearbyParentFragment.java
index c71d7a7fe..418880b0a 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/fr/free/nrw/commons/nearby/fragments/NearbyParentFragment.java
+++ b/app/src/main/java/fr/free/nrw/commons/nearby/fragments/NearbyParentFragment.java
@@ -259,7 +259,7 @@ public class NearbyParentFragment extends CommonsDaggerSupportFragment
     /**
      * Saves response of list of places for the first time
      */
-    private List<Place> places;
+    private List<Place> places = new ArrayList<>();
 
     @NonNull
     public static NearbyParentFragment newInstance() {