Twitter is awash with images and video of an explosion that occurred in Abu Dhabi earlier today. According to Abu Dhabi Police, the explosive blast occurred at a food outlet on Rashid bin Saeed Street.
People with minor and medium injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals. It is unknown whether or not there are any more seriously injured. The rest of the building’s occupants have been evacuated.
Abu Dhabi Police HQ Twitter and Instagram feeds shared the news, along with a picture. So too did some local residents:
We will update this story as more news comes in.
UPDATE: Emirates News Agency (WAM) has made a statement:
Rapid Intervention Teams respond to gas explosion in Abu Dhabi Restaurant
ABU DHABI, 31st August, 2020 (WAM) — The Rapid Intervention Teams of the Emergency and Public Safety Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police responded to a gas explosion that took place at a restaurant in a building on Rashid bin Saeed Street in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
The Command and Control Centre in Abu Dhabi received a report on Monday morning about an explosion in a restaurant. Immediately, the Rapid Intervention Teams rushed to the sport and safely evacuated the residents of the building, who sustained some minor to medium injuries, and cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of the public.
Abu Dhabi Police have said the injured have been transferred to the hospital for treatment.
UPDATE: The Abu Dhabi Media Office has also made a statement via Twitter:
Unfortunately, two victims lost their lives – one near the site of the incident, and a second passer-by who was hit by debris. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, God rest their souls.
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) August 31, 2020
2020 is such a year… #AbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/kb0K31r4y0
— Aira Roma (@crayzooza) August 31, 2020
An accident happened in Abu Dhabi. Thanks, my siblings are safe and are not present here when the explosion happened.
Our deepest sympathy to the casualties and people affected. #AbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/V2pnPiImqi— Poging Maldito (@PogingMaldito) August 31, 2020
Esquire now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit ‘Like’ on our Esquire Facebook page and ‘Follow’ on our @esquiremiddleeast Instagram and Twitter account.
