Blaze breaks out on Reem Island

Anealla Safdar

• Last Updated: October 19. 2009 1:29AM UAE / October 18. 2009 9:29PM GMT

ABU DHABI // Rescue helicopters airlifted construction workers from the top of a 52-storey tower block that caught fire on Reem Island yesterday afternoon.

The workers were trapped by thick smoke from the blaze which started at around 3pm in a basement next to the building.

The men spent more than three hours on the roof of the skyscraper, which is part of the island’s Bunya development, after smoke engulfed the structure, forcing them to the top.

An eyewitness said as many as 20 workers were plucked to safety by rescue helicopters, although the police were unable to confirm the number. There were no serious casualties reported, said police at the scene, although some people were treated for smoke inhalation.

Most of the estimated 200 construction workers in the building were quickly led to safety by fire crews or helped from the upper floors by rescue teams using extendable ladders.

It is believed the blaze started in a basement between two buildings, called D2 and D3, after insulating material caught fire.

Smoke and fumes filled the lower half of the taller D2 tower, making it impossible for the workers above to leave by the stairs.

Workers in the 22-storey D3 were evacuated via the ground floor. One of the men in the D2 tower, who asked that he not be named, spent two hours waiting for a rescue crane to lift him from the 37th floor.

“I feel exhausted from the wait,” he said. “I am traumatised after two hours and in a state of shock.”

Hundreds of labourers stopped their work in nearby developments to watch firemen tackle the blaze.

More than 20 fire engines attended the incident and ambulances were still arriving as late as 6pm to treat people suffering from smoke inhalation.

Although emergency services were despatched within minutes of the fire being reported, rush-hour traffic proved a problem for their vehicles. The situation was exacerbated by motorists who slowed down or stopped to take photographs.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.

“There is an investigation under way to explain the exact cause of the fire,” said Brig Othman Tamami, the police department’s director of emergency and public safety.
“We have training in dealing with emergencies in high-rise buildings and recently we had an exercise into how to deal with such an event at Reem Island. But, the companies must enforce safety and security when dealing with the construction of tall buildings.”

Joe Ong, the chief executive of Tamouh, one of Reem Island’s three major developers, said it was too early to determine the cause of the fire.

“Along with our contractor, we are investigating the incident to identify the cause.”

Mr Ong said there was no structural damage to the buildings, and work would continue as usual.

Across the city, many were shocked by the size of the cloud of smoke. “It is so thick, and you can smell it from here,” said Mohammed Anwar, a mechanic working on Salam Street. “I have been watching it for so long and am praying for the people inside.”

Amjad Ayoub, a construction manager working on a development opposite the building, said he watched the scene for an hour.

“Since about 4.30pm, there have been people climbing down the tower to try and get out,” he said. “The helicopters keep going around but not all of them are stopping and rescuing. Maybe they are assessing the situation from above.”

Ramesh Menon, a technical officer for an oil company, was working in the nearby Abu Dhabi Mall when he noticed the smoke.

“It was really big, there are still helicopters here at almost 8pm and I can see the smoke,” he said. “The traffic is still busy here. There are always lots of workers around that area.”

The D3 tower is located in Marina Square, one of the first developments expected to be completed on the island. It is expected to be finished later this year, with the first residents scheduled to move in at the turn of 2010.

asafdar@thenational.ae