Tragedy struck in Dubai as a fire in a residential building claimed the lives of 16 people and left nine others injured, according to local media reports. The incident occurred in the Al-Ras area, one of the oldest parts of the city and home to numerous migrant workers and traders.
The fire reportedly broke out on the fourth floor of the five-story building. Dubai Civil Defence attributed the cause of the blaze to non-compliance with building security and safety requirements. Fire crews arrived at the scene at 12:41 local time (09:41 GMT) on Saturday.
Situated near the city’s famous gold and spice markets, the Al-Ras area is a popular tourist destination. Dubai Civil Defence informed UAE newspaper The National that an investigation into the devastating fire is currently underway.
NEW ???? Footage of the Dubai building fire —16 people died and nine sustained injuries as a massive fire ripped through the fourth floor of a residential building in Dubai pic.twitter.com/M2NzWL3Djz
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) April 16, 2023
The agency emphasized the importance of full compliance with security and safety requirements and guidelines for both residential and commercial building owners and residents, in order to prevent accidents and protect lives.
Local media sources revealed that among the deceased are four Indian and three Pakistani nationals. Salinga Gudu, whose brother Gudu Saliyakoondu, a watchman from India’s Tamil Nadu state, perished in the fire while trying to rescue residents, told The National, “I was so scared because that is the building my brother works in. He went up to help and never came back down.”
As the investigation continues, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
