Gas cylinder explosion caused Al Reef fire

The fire and corresponding explosion in the quiet gated residential community of Al Reef Villas in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday late night has been attributed to a small blaze erupting near a cabin next to a mosque construction site.
 
The blaze spread close to a gas cylinder, which exploded shortly after and alarmed many community residents to stumble out of their homes in the dead of the night to investigate the matter.
 
However, due to the vigilance of a nearby security officer, everyone in close proximity to the fire was evacuated before the cylinder exploded and fire fighters were soon seen battling the blaze into the early hours of Wednesday morning.
 
In a statement to Emirates 24|7, a spokesperson from the property developers, Al Manazel Real Estate, recalled the events of Tuesday night, which started around 10.50pm, saying: “Our security officer noticed a fire beside the Friday mosque, near the Arabian Village gate. He immediately reacted (to put out the blaze).
 
“However, as the fire spread across the wooden structure and furniture in the Fibrex Construction Group cabin there, the police and civil defence were called in for help.”
 
The spokesperson added: “A closer view of the fire had the security supervisor realise a gas cylinder was positioned very close to the flames. So he immediately evacuated the guards and the public who were in the vicinity to move them out of harm’s way.”
 
Luckily for onlookers, the cylinder exploded immediately after the area had been cleared, causing no harm to life for all present at the scene. 
 
“As soon as they left the spot, the cylinder erupted with a huge blast and pieces and debris spread all over the nearby surroundings,” he added. “Fortunately, no one was hurt.”
 
The spokesperson added that the cause of fire has yet to be identified.
 
Abu Dhabi Police and Civil Defence vehicles arrived at 11.30pm on the scene and were able to tame the blaze less than 40 minutes.
 
A police investigation is still being conducted.
 
According to its developers, the Al Reef Villas complex spans an area of one million square metres, and encompasses a total of 4,194 residential units and villas, with a capacity to accommodate approximately 15,000 residents.
 
The gated community is located in close proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport.

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