Fireworks blast causes €95m damage in Dubai
Two people were killed in a massive explosion at a Dubai fireworks factory that caused more than €95m damage today.
The blast ignited a wider blaze in the Al-Qouz Industrial zone which includes warehouses, factories, and malls. It is also home to thousands of Asian construction workers.
“There was one big explosion and then some small ones,” said Sunber Raj, a labourer from India who was heading to the bus stop to go to work when the explosion happened. “The fire spread really quickly and the sun disappeared behind terrible smoke.”
Ambulances and fire engines struggled to the scene through morning rush hour, while helicopters hovered above the ruined factory.
“There’s so much smoke we can’t see what’s going on,” said one firefighter, battling the flames. By early afternoon the fire had engulfed at least 20 other warehouses due to persistent winds.
