Video: Major fire at Address hotel in Dubai on New Year’s Eve
UPDATE: Civil Defence workers continuing to fight fire on Friday morning
A massive fire broke out at The Address Downtown hotel in Dubai late on Thursday evening, just hours before New Year’s Eve celebrations began.
The official Dubai Media Office says 14 minor injuries, one moderate, and one person who had suffered a heart attack had been reported so far. “All received [prompt] medical assistance,” the office said.
No cause for the blaze has been reported as yet. Officials say that 90% of the fire is under control.
UPDATE: Civil Defence workers were continuing to fight the fire at 8am on Friday morning, local media report.
VIDEO: Fire at The Address Hotel Dubai, New Year’s Eve
The fire is reported to have originated from outside the 20th floor of hotel, and has not spread inside.
“A fire has been reported in the Address Downtown hotel. Authorities are currently on-site to address the incident swiftly and safely,” the Dubai Media Office said via Twitter.
“Four squads of firefighters are working to control a fire that broke out at The Address hotel and ensure safety on the site,” it said. “Internal fire extinguishers are preventing spread of fire inside the hotel.”
The hotel is close to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, which is the centre of Dubai’s annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display. The fireworks display went ahead despite the blaze.
Reports on social media suggest many people were evacuated from the building and surrounding areas.
An eyewitness, who was staying in the building at the time, told Sky News that there was “pandemonium” at the scene.
VIDEO: Fire at The Address Hotel Dubai, New Year’s Eve
