ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – The Philippine Embassy has confirmed that two Filipinos have died while some others were injured, in Monday morning’s restaurant blast here, saying in a statement that Ambassador Hjayceelyn Quintana “has reached out to the families of the deceased to express condolences and give assurance that they will be provided all necessary assistance.”
Identities of the fatalities were not disclosed.
“It is with deep sadness that the Embassy shares the latest information that two Filipinos died from the unfortunate incident,” read the statement.
The ambassador, according to the statement, “continues to work with UAE authorities to also obtain details on some injured Filipinos who were brought to the hospital for treatment of minor and moderate injuries so they can be given appropriate support.”
The ambassador also advised the Filipino community to “remain safe and be mindful of the protocols of the host government.”
On Monday, Aug. 31, the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office (ADGMO) announced on Twitter that 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,” at around 10am that morning.
“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
“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,” a statement issued by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on the same day read.
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), “the Command and Control Centre in Abu Dhabi received a report… about an explosion in a restaurant” after which “Rapid Intervention Teams immediately 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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