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Abu Dhabi fire victims given temporary accommodation

Abu Dhabi - Most residents could not go for work today as they do not have access to their belongings.

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Tenants of a residential building that caught fire yesterday night in Abu Dhabi have been given temporary accommodation at a hotel, Khaleej Times has learned.
Fire broke out in the eighteen-storey building on the airport road next to Akai showroom after 10 pm on Saturday, forcing dozens of residents on the road.

(Picture via Twitter/@meerz)
Major General Jasim Al Marzouqi, Commander General of the UAE Civil Defense told Khaleej Times there were no injuries or casualties.
"The accident happened at 10.11pm and the fire-fighting team reached the spot within four minutes of the accident. We evacuated the people from the building and within a short time we could put out the fire," said Al Marzouqi who was present at the accident site.
He said the cause of the fire will be investigated by the forensic team. "But I can say that since there is a restaurant in the lower floor of the building, it could be the reason," said the Major General.

Watch: Abu Dhabi Civil Defence tackles tower fire
Details: https://t.co/yrym6GudMT pic.twitter.com/7uc4oadJdZ
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) February 18, 2017

Anas, who runs a restaurant opposite to the buiding said he saw fire erupting from the restaurant. "Within a few minutes, the whole exterior of the building was on fire, and blazing aluminum boards blaze were falling on the cars parked underneath," said Anas.
Residents who spoke to Khaleej Times today morning said the authorities have given them temporary accommodation at Al Diar Sawa Hotel Apartments in Al Nahyan area of Abu Dhabi.
"The Civil Defense officials and Red Crescent volunteers have taken the contact details of the residents who are affected. We hope they will support us through the crisis till we can go back to our apartments," said Maria Nepomuceno, a Filipino teacher.

Abu Dhabi Police & Fire Brigade does an amazing job clearing street ensuring ppls safety while addressing the ??!?????????? hope everyone is safe! pic.twitter.com/bcBFKY1ekV
- Meerz (@meerz) February 18, 2017

She said she stayed at the hotel room yesterday night. "We have been told by the building authorities that we can go back and check our belongings today after 4pm," said Nepomuceno.
Most residents could not go for work today as they do not have access to their belongings.
"The police have assured us that they will provide us a letter that we can submit to our employers explaining the situation," said Jordon Pogle, another resident.
He said he stayed with his sister last night. "It was cold outside and I did not want to wait there forever. So I went to my sister's house near by,"said Pogle.
Residents who had gathered outside the building yesterday night had said their biggest worry was for their belongings.
Watch: Four cabins, car gutted in major Dubai fire
"I don't know whether my things are safe. All my important documents and some money are in my apartment. I don't know when we will be able to go back home," said Anitha, an Indian resident.
anjana@khaleejtimes.com