Mission checks on Filipinos who live near gas explosion site in Abu Dhabi

The Philippine Embassy has assured that it is ready to help Filipinos who may have been affected in the gas explosion that killed two people in Abu Dhabi on Monday, August 31.
A large Filipino community resides in the area where the blast happened, so the mission visited the site on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (Airport Road) and offered full support to the expats. Philippine officials have also been coordinating with the Abu Dhabi Police.
"The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi is monitoring developments and will extend every possible assistance. Initial information reaching the embassy is that there may be Filipinos working at the affected establishments but the company management is not able to confirm as of this time," the embassy said in a statement.
The explosion, which ripped through a restaurant, 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.
So far, no details were released on the nationalities or identities of the deceased. One of the victims was found near the explosion site, while the other was a passerby who was hit by the debris, authorities said. A number of people were taken to a hospital after sustaining minor and moderate injuries.
Two fast food outlets and other stores on the ground floor of the building were badly damaged in the blast. Residents of the building were immediately evacuated and moved to temporary accommodations. No injuries were reported among them, police said.
"The embassy joins the Filipino community in hoping that there would be no further fatalities and that others involved in the incident would have no serious injuries. The embassy is on the alert and ready to extend assistance," the mission added.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com 
 
 
 

• Abu Dhabi

Ashwani Kumar

Ashwani Kumar is a versatile journalist who explores every beat in Abu Dhabi with an insatiable curiosity. He loves uncovering stories that are informative and help readers form their own opinions.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com