Abu Dhabi authorities urged the public not to publish any recordings captured by surveillance systems on social media platforms
uae13 hours ago
Sixteen people died and nine sustained injuries as a massive fire ripped through the fourth floor of a residential building in Dubai. A Dubai Civil Defence spokesperson said the fire broke out in Al Ras on Saturday afternoon.
The Dubai Civil Defence Operations Room was first notified about the fire at 12.35pm. A team reached the spot within six minutes and began both evacuation and firefighting operations.
Teams from the Port Saeed and Hamriyah fire stations provided backup to the operations. The fire was brought under control at 2.42pm, after which the cooling operations were started.
Expressing his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the spokesperson said that urgent medical aid was provided to the injured even as firefighters worked to put out the blaze.
Preliminary investigations showed that lack of compliance with building security and safety requirements caused the fire, the spokesperson added. “Relevant authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation to provide a detailed a report on the causes of the accident.”
Eyewitnesses said they saw flames billowing out of the building. Videos shared on social media show thick black smoke and flames leaping out of an apartment window as multiple fire engines and first responders reach the area in record time.
According to a worker in a shop in the building, they heard "a loud bang".
“We couldn’t figure out what was happening for a few minutes. But then we saw smoke and fire coming out of the window.”
The worker and a few people tried to rush into the building to help people out, but were unable to do anything because of the smoke. “There was smoke everywhere and we could not see anything,” he said. “So we decided to exit the building and wait for the police. Fire engines, firemen and police officers were at the spot within minutes. They brought a crane and started helping people. Their swift action helped save many lives.”
When contacted, social worker Naseer Vadanappilly told Khaleej Times he was at the mortuary. “Some bodies have been identified by relatives,” he said. “At least three people are in the hospital and their condition is stable.”
ALSO READ:
Abu Dhabi authorities urged the public not to publish any recordings captured by surveillance systems on social media platforms
uae13 hours ago
Event will feature field scenarios that highlight the advanced combat capabilities of the Armed Forces
uae14 hours ago
'Farm to Haseer' showcased how local farms are thriving through resource-efficient practices
uae20 hours ago
The free run marked the final day of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) that has turned the city into an open gym
uae21 hours ago
The run started little after 6.30am as police vehicles including a cyber Tesla truck led the way to ensure safety
uae1 day ago
The restrictions have triggered mixed reactions from social workers
uae1 day ago
Sharing their stories from Ukraine to Illinois, Germany to Kenya, they paint a vivid picture of how motorcycling has become a powerful vehicle for women empowerment in the region
uae1 day ago
The Ministry of Interior called on the public to seek information from official sources
uae1 day ago