The explosion that took place at a restaurant in Abu Dhabi early morning of August 31 claimed two lives, according to reports from authorities.
One person who was at the site of the explosion immediately died, while another person died after a concrete block fell on him when he passed by the area.
نتج عن الحادث وفاة شخصين، أحدهما كان في الموقع وتأثر بشكل مباشر، والآخر في الجهة المقابلة توفي جراء سقوط قطعة اسمنتية عليه أثناء مروره في المنطقة. نتقدم إلى أهل المتوفين بخالص العزاء والمواساة ونسأل العلي القدير أن يتغمدهما برحمته
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) August 31, 2020
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, God rest their souls,” said the announcement from the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office.
Officials earlier reported that the incident was due to a gas leak. “The incident was caused by a misalignment in the gas container fittings following refuelling,” reported the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office, stating that Rapid intervention teams from the Abu Dhabi Police’s Al Falah Centre immediately responded to the site.
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Abu Dhabi Police cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of residents and have already evacuated all those who live near the area.
“@ADPoliceHQ has evacuated all residents from the building safely with no injuries. Relevant teams are arranging temporary accommodation for residents until the building’s safety is assured,” said the tweet from the Abu Dhabi Government Media Office.
Earlier, residents living near the area state that a loud explosion sound and vibrations in their building woke them up and startled them.
Officials affirmed the public that all individuals who have sustained minor to medium injuries have all been taken to the nearest hospitals to get immediate medical treatment.
The authorities dismissed other rumors surrounding the incident and reminded the public to always refer to official sources: “The relevant departments are dealing with the situation directly. We urge people to avoid spreading rumours, and to use official news sources.”
