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2 Filipinos killed in Abu Dhabi restaurant blast: Embassy

Abu Dhabi - A large Filipino community resides in the area where the blast happened.

Two Filipino residents were killed in the gas explosion that ripped through a fast-food restaurant in Abu Dhabi on Monday, the Philippine Embassy confirmed on Tuesday.
"It is with deep sadness that the embassy shares the latest information that two Filipinos died from the unfortunate accident yesterday caused by a gas explosion at a restaurant at Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Road, (also known as Airport Road) in Abu Dhabi," the mission said in a statement.
Ambassador Hjayceelyn M. Quintana reached out to the families of the deceased to express condolences and gave assurance that all necessary assistance will be provided.
"The Embassy continues to work with the UAE authorities to obtain details on some injured Filipinos who were brought to the hospital for treatment of minor and moderate injuries so that they can be given appropriate support," Quintana said.
A large Filipino community resides in the area where the blast happened. The mission had visited the site on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (Airport Road). Philippine officials have also been coordinating with the Abu Dhabi Police.
The explosion was found to have been caused by misaligned gas container fittings, according to a statement of the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office. Local authorities have urged residents to be careful in handling gas connections.
The ambassador also urged the Filipino community to remain safe and to be mindful of the local regulations.
Church observes moment of silence
St Joseph's Cathedral in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday observed a moment of silence for the two Filipinos who were killed in the restaurant blast.
One of the victims was an active parishioner of the church. He was survived by his wife and two kids aged three and five years old, according to St Joseph's Cathedral.
A congregation prayed for the departed. "We observed a few minutes of silence, remembering the victims and their families in our prayers. The holy mass was offered for the souls of the departed at 9am by Father Troadio De Los Santos, vicar-general and also the priest responsible for the Filipino Catholics in Abu Dhabi," the cathedral said in a statement.
"The parish mourns their loss and pray that the consolation of God may descend upon their families."
The 9am mass was also the first time elderly residents returned to the church. All places of worship for non-Muslims were reopened from Monday at 30 per cent capacity.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com