A huge fire ripped through a luxury Dubai hotel on Thursday near the world’s tallest tower, where people were gathering to watch New Year’s Eve celebrations, police said.
At least 14 minor injuries, one moderate and one heart attack case reported due to overcrowding and smoke at the fire site, the Government of Dubai Media Office official Twitter feed said. “All the injured received prompts medical assistance.”
Earlier, it also tweeted that a “fire has been reported in the Address Downtown hotel. Authorities are currently on-site to address the incident swiftly and safely”.
Witnesses near the iconic Burj Khalifa said huge flames could be seen billowing from the hotel.
Images aired on the al Arabiya news channel showed a high-rise building with fire engulfing dozens of storeys. Dubai authorities said earlier on Thursday that they had deployed thousands of security personnel to ensure visitors and residents could enjoy the New Year’s festivities safely.
The emirate had promising a “spectacular” fireworks display that was set to kick-off at midnight.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 1st, 2016.
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