Fire breaks out in Dubai building, hundreds evacuated, Metro services suspended
A massive fire broke out in a residential building on Salah Al Deen Street near Muraqqabat police station shortly after 5pm on Monday, destroying three blocks, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents from nearby buildings and the suspension of Dubai Metro services, Gulf news reported.
Photo: Gulf News
The fire was put reportedly under control at around 10.20pm, but smoke could still be seen bellowing out of the building. There was no immediate word on causalities.
The fire destroyed three blocks of the five-storey Al Shamsi building.
Photo: Gulf News
The fire started in Block B and rapidly spread to Blocks A and C as fire fighters battled to prevent flames spreading to nearby buildings, including a petrol station and a five-star hotel.
Several explosions were earlier heard as firemen struggled to rescue residents stranded in the building. The blasts apparently came from gas cylinders exploding and the roof of one of the blocks seemed to have caved in. Strong winds made it difficult for fire personnel to quickly put out the fire.
Photo: Gulf News
However, firefighters and dozens of fire trucks succeeded in preventing the fire from spreading to the petrol station and also evacuated a section of the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Fresh reinforcements arrived as the Civil Defence team tackled the blaze from multiple angles. Fire trucks with replenished water tankers were seen constantly moving in and out of the area.
Photo: Gulf News
Four buildings behind the Al Shamsi building were evacuated and all residents were waiting in a sandy plot. Many residents were distraught and were weeping.
People were seen moving around wearing masks as smoke enveloped areas even several hundred metres away from the fire site.
Photo: Gulf News
The cause of the fire is still not known, but an eyewitness, who lives in a neighbouring building, said that some people were having a barbecue in a small garden area on the first floor of Al Shamsi building, which could have caused the fire. However, this could not be immediately confirmed or verified by the authorities.
Photo: Gulf News
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