Property

Dubai Torch fire: 101 apartments still inaccessible, says insurer

By Ben Flanagan

Posted on February 24, 2015

Oman Insurance Company provides temporary accommodation for those left homeless after Saturday’s blaze

PHOTO: The Torch fire started at around 2am on around the 50th floor and later spread higher up the building. Credit: Twitter

As many as 101 apartments at The Torch building in Dubai are still inaccessible, the insurer said, after a fire ripped through the building in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The Oman Insurance Company (OIC), the largest insurer in the UAE, said it is providing free emergency accommodation to those not yet able to return to the 79-storey tower in Dubai Marina.

“Out of the 676 apartments units, 101 are still not accessible and the affected owners and tenants can avail the alternate accommodation provided,” OIC said in a statement.

IN PICTURES: After the fire – Residents return to The Torch, Dubai

VIDEO: Massive fire engulfs Torch skyscraper in Dubai

OIC sent damage assessors to the scene and its chief executive Patrick Choffel was also present.

“When we heard the news, the Oman Insurance’s team moved immediately. A loss adjuster was assigned and, as soon as Saturday, alternative accommodation was arranged to support the families in distress,” said Choffel.

Emergency accommodation has been provided in the nearby Gloria, Media One and Marriott hotels.

“After seven days, owners and residents who are not still allowed to occupy their flat for safety reasons will need to find alternative accommodation and arrange it by themselves,” the insurer added.

One resident of the tower, one of the tallest residential blocks in the world, earlier this week told MEConstructionNews.com that occupants were returning to their apartments, but that some units remain sealed off.

“We’re back in, but the apartment next to us looks wrecked. It doesn’t smell of smoke, but some apartments have been sealed off,” the resident, who did not wish to be named, said.

“There are metal pieces and small bits of debris all over my balcony, and the pool is filthy,” he added.

The Torch fire started at around 2am on around the 50th floor and later spread higher up the building, and did not cause any fatalities. Four people are reported to have suffered minor injuries.

The fire appeared to have been caused by an accident rather than a criminal act, according to Dubai authorities, whom have opened an investigation into the blaze, state news agency WAM reported.

IN PICTURES: After the fire – Residents return to The Torch, Dubai

VIDEO: Massive fire engulfs Torch skyscraper in Dubai