DUBAI: At least 16 people died while nine others were wounded in a massive blaze that engulfed a residential building in Dubai on Saturday, said the civil defence on Sunday.
A statement issued by the government of Dubai media office early Sunday quoted a Dubai Civil Defence spokesperson saying the cause of the fire in Al Ras area of Deira was “a lack of compliance with building security and safety requirements.” “Relevant authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation to provide a detailed a report on the causes of the accident,” the statement further said.
Firefighters rushed to the building and evacuated it around six minutes after being informed of the blaze at 12:35 p.m. The fire, that broke out in an apartment on the fourth floor of the building, was put out about two hours later at around 2:42 p.m. before the cooling operations started.
Sending condolences message to the families of the deceased, Dubai civil defence “stressed the importance of residential and commercial building owners and residents fully complying with security and safety requirements and guidelines to avoid accidents and protect people’s lives.” Eyewitnesses reported seeing large plumes of smoke emitting from the building.
A worker in a shop at the affected building said he heard a “big bang,” according to Khaleej Times. A few people tried to get into the building and evacaute the tenants but the smoke was too dense. “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,” Khaleej Times quoted an eyewitness as having said.
Al Ras is a densely populated area located in old Deira that houses long-standing markets like the Spice Souk and Gold Souk.
