Abu Dhabi: A fire broke out in a building under construction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The blaze, which continued for nearly two hours, has mostly been brought under control, an official source told Gulf News.
Workers and people in the surrounding areas have long been evacuated as a precaution and there are no reported casualties so far, the source added. Smoke can still be seen emanating from the high-rise tower with green glass, which is located close to Abu Dhabi Mall, alongside the bridge to Al Reem Island and Maryah Island.
Traffic on the surrounding roads is slow, with the bridge to the islands being cordoned off. A taxi driver said he had seen the fire blazing at 11am. “It looks better now but getting across the nearby roads is difficult due to the blocked access,” he said. Sirens can still be heard as emergency response vehicles continue to rush to the spot. A worker who declined to be named said the fire had broken out on the 23rd floor of the 28-storey tower. He said that the cause of the blaze was not clear yet, but that no one had been hurt.
Police have begun clearing away onlookers, although many are still continuing to watch from nearby buildings.
State news media WAM issued a statement clarifying that crisis and emergency teams in Abu Dhabi “have been trying to extinguish the fire that broke out in a 28-storey building under construction with logistic support from Civil Defence”. Authorities also called upon residents not to be misled by erroneous information and rumours.
