DUBAI, 27 March 2008 — A massive explosion at a warehouse containing fireworks yesterday sparked a raging conflagration in Dubai’s Al Qouz Industrial Area. The blast ignited a wider blaze that rapidly spread to 88 other warehouses in the area, causing losses to the tune of millions of dirhams.
The blaze killed two people and injured three firefighters. Damage caused by the fire has not been officially announced but initial estimates put the figure at around AED200 million.
Residents living near the area heard explosions that shook buildings and sent up thick clouds of black smoke. Schools in the surrounding areas were evacuated.
Firefighters from Ajman, Sharjah, Al Ain, Umm Al Quwain and Abu Dhabi controlled the blaze along with the Dubai Police and the UAE Military.
Tens of firefighters, rescuers and medics battled raging flames. Strong winds contributed to its rapid spread to other storage facilities that had not complied with laws regulating the storage of hazardous items.
According to a spokesman from the Dubai Civil Defense, the explosion was caused due to improper storage of firecrackers.
He added that Dubai law prohibits storing fireworks in industrial areas and housing complexes.
Laila, a teacher at a school near the site, heard an explosion that shook the whole building at 7 a.m.
“I thought it was an earthquake,” she said. “The whole building shook. We rushed out in panic and then heard a series of smaller explosions that went on for about five minutes. It was very scary.”
“A few hours later, the Ministry of Education announced that our school should be evacuated and we rushed home,” she added.
Nahid Ahmad, who lives in Al Qouz area, said that she was abruptly woken up by the sound of a huge explosion. “I was scared thinking it was a bomb blast,” she said.
“My husband and I rushed out and were shocked to see smoke billowing out from one of the warehouses. The smoke was initially white but then it quickly turned black. In no time, our garden was full of ash and debris.”
Hussain Al-Banna from the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) said that soon after the accident the RTA, in coordination with Dubai Police, closed some roads leading to the site of the accident due to the risk posed to commuters as the flames engulfed neighboring warehouses.
