Massive fire breaks out at Sharjah residential tower

A massive blaze broke out at a high-rise residential tower in Sharjah on Tuesday night, which firefighters later managed to control.

All the residents from the 328 apartments were evacuated and 12 people, who were injured, were treated on site, officials said.

Three of them had to be transported to hospital for further treatment.

#NationalAmbulance, Sharjah Civil Defense and Sharjah Police, has attended the scene of a #fire at a residential tower in Al Nahda, #Sharjah, which resulted in 12 injuries (10 minor and 2 moderate) who were all treated on scene with 3 transported to hospital for further treatment pic.twitter.com/UswXBXnOr7

— National Ambulance الإسعاف الوطني (@NAmbulanceUAE) May 5, 2020

The fire broke out at the 49-storey Abbco Tower in Sharjah’s Al Nahda area at around 9.04pm on Tuesday night.

Sharjah civil defence and police rushed to scene within six minutes after the receiving the alert and were able to put out the blaze in two hours.

كوادر الشارقة تتعامل مع حريق بأحد الأبراج السكنية بمنطقة النهدةhttps://t.co/LkiFZJ1Mf7 pic.twitter.com/UsjtEnKO9R

— شرطة الشارقة (@ShjPolice) May 5, 2020

Police used drones to check if there were any people trapped inside the apartments, a statement on Facebook said.

Vehicles parked below the building were also damaged in the accident.

Police said since all the residents were evacuated before the fire spread, serious injuries were avoided. They were also able to contain the fire from not spreading to the neighbouring buildings.

Relevant authorities are ensuring that alternative accommodation is provided for the residents, the statement added.

Videos shared on social media showed the tower engulfed in flames as debris flew around the area.

Massive Fire at a residential Abbco Towers in Sharjah, UAE. A 48 floor skyscraper, reportedly, mostly occupied by Indians.
Surrounding buildings are also thought to be at risk of catching fire. pic.twitter.com/s36fQ5pnHI

— anju sharmma (@ianjoosharma) May 5, 2020