Metro riders stranded as fire hits Deira building

Dubai - Dubai Police said in a tweet: Salahuddin Road opposite Muraqqabat Police Station is closed in both directions due to a fire in a building. Please be extra cautious.

Hundreds of commuters were stranded as authorities in Dubai shut down part of the metro's green line after a major fire broke out in the Muraqqabat neighbourhood.

The fire engulfed an old residential building next to the Muraqqabat Police Station at 5.50pm on Monday.

There were no casualties and the police evacuated the building soon after the incident. The area was cordoned off and traffic tailbacks could be seen a long way.

48 flats were gutted in the fire, rendering the residents homeless. They said they have nowhere to go as no one has offered to accommodate them.

Click here to see more pictures of the fire

It was not known what caused the fire. The Roads and Transport Authority suspended its service between the Abu Hail and Union stations as a precautionary measure. It said it was providing buses between the affected metro stations.

• Huge fire breaks out in Muraqqabat building