Video: Dubai warehouse fire put out; two thought to be missing

Published Sunday, September 22, 2013

By Bindu Suresh Rai

Video by: kt_dubai (Instagram)

UPDATE: Major Rashid Al Sumaitin, Dubai Civil Defense chief, who was at the scene of the fire in the Al Quoz industrial area which broke out on Sunday morning, spoke to Emirates 24|7, saying: "The situation is under control but we are still combating pockets of fire."

He declined to comment if anyone was still trapped in the burning warehouse, adding that investigations are underway as to what caused the fire which has completely gutted the Sana Fashions warehouse.

A search and rescue unit member of Dubai Police said that they have heard from staff that two members were unaccounted for, but could not confirm if this was the case.

Major Al Sumaitin added that they received an account of one gentleman who was spotted entering the restroom in the warehouse when the fire occurred and hasn't been seen since. No news was available whether another staff member was missing.

At 5pm, roads leading to the warehouse were still blocked by Dubai Police.

Earlier report

A Dubai police officer on the scene of the fire told Emirates 24/7 they suspect that two people are trapped inside.

“The fire is blazing on in the rear of the warehouse, so we are unable to enter as yet,” he added.

The fire started at 11.10am, according to Dubai Police who arrived 10 minutes later.

At 2.10pm, the fire was still blazing in front and rear of the warehouse. More fire trucks and ambulances have arrived at the scene.

A worker at the neighbouring Al Majal Dewatering said there are nearly 140 people who work in the Sana warehouse. People were evacuated as soon as the fire started. Their water and electricity supplies were cut off.

The fire has also resulted in a major traffic jam on Sheikh Zayed Road and from north to south of the city.

Previous report

All roads leading into Al Quoz 3 in the vicinity of Modern Bakery have been barricaded, with no cars being allowed in.

Traffic in and around Al Quoz is also affected with jams beginning to form.

The entire right side of the warehouse is gutted with smoke still rising 50 feet high, shrouding the entire area with the acrid smell of burnt debris. Seven Civil Defence vehicles and two ambulances are on the spot right now.

The A warehouse in the Modern Bakery compound in Al Quoz Industrial Area 3 has reportedly caught fire, the a plume of black smoke visible as far as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

Civil defence teams are on the scene battling the blaze with several eye witnesses suggesting the fire broke out in the warehouse at approximately 11am.

One civil defence official at the site said the cause of the blaze is not determined yet and declined to comment further.

Meanwhile, a fire attendant said they are unsure which warehouse is ablaze.

However, some eye witnesses suspect it is a furniture factory, while a few others confirm it is Sana garment factory. Police officials at the site has refused to comment.

(Picture credit: Twitter)

Several concerned residents took to Twitter, posting images of the fire, which is still raging.

Budo Kai reported: “Whatever is behind Al Hattab factory is up in smoke. Flames as high as 50 feet.” Aisha Tariq posted: “Can see a massive cloud of smoke in the distance from my office.”