Two persons died while several others were injured following an “explosion caused by a gas connection in a restaurant on Sheik Rashid Bin Saeed Road,” this morning, the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office announced on Twitter.
“Unfortunately, two victims lost their lives – one near the site of the incident, and a second passer-by who was hit by debris. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, God rest their souls,” ADGMO tweeted.
Follow the announcement here: https://twitter.com/admediaoffice/status/1300383755425796096
With this, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a statement saying the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, which is headed by Ambassador Hjayceelyn Quintana, is “monitoring developments, will extend every possible assistance (and) is coordinating with police.”
“Initial information reaching the embassy is that there may be Filipinos working at the affected establishments but company management was not able to confirm (this) as of press time,” stated the DFA statement.
The incident happened at around 10am, according to DFA. No details have been released as to the victims’ nationalities or identities, DFA said.
“The embassy joins the Filipino community in UAE 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 DFA statement read.
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), “the Command and Control Centre in Abu Dhabi received a report on Monday morning (Aug. 31) about an explosion in a restaurant.
“Immediately, the Rapid Intervention Teams rushed to the spot and safely evacuated the residents of the building, who sustained some minor to medium injuries, and cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of the public.”
It added that the Abu Dhabi Police have said “the injured have been transferred to the hospital for treatment.”
Meanwhile, ADGMO said that according to on-site investigations, “the incident was caused by a misalignment in the gas container fittings following refueling.”
It added that “relevant teams are arranging temporary accommodation for residents until the building’s safety is assured.”
ADGMO cautioned people about irresponsibly posting unconfirmed information regarding the incident.
“The relevant departments are dealing with the situation directly. We urge people to avoid spreading rumors and to use official news sources,” ADGMO said.
Citing the National, a UAE-based newspaper, Reuters reported that the blast hit KFC and Hardees restaurants. It added that other retail outlets were also damaged.
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