Dubai firefighter killed battling Business Bay blaze

Tributes were paid to Tarik Ali Alhaway, who died on Saturday when he fell four storeys in an under-construction tower

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The Crown Prince of Dubai led tributes to a firefighter who died when he plunged four floors in an partially built tower.

Tarik Abdalla Ali Alhaway was among the crews that fought the fire at a building in Marasi Drive in Business Bay.

The 28-year-old died from injuries sustained when he fell through a hole in the floor, officials said.

The fire broke out at 10.40am on Saturday in the lower level parking floors and spread quickly. It sent smoke billowing across the skyline.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, extended his "deepest condolences" to Corporal Alhaway's family.

"Tarik, a martyr, will remain a symbol of self-sacrifice for the sake of the nation and the citizens' security," he wrote on Twitter.

"We pray God to have mercy on Tarik’s soul and may the doors of heaven be open for him.

"May God inspire his parents and relatives with patience and solace."

Tarik Ali Alhaway was killed battling the blaze. Courtesy: Ministry of Interior / Dubai Civil Defence
Tarik Ali Alhaway was killed battling the blaze. Courtesy: Ministry of Interior / Dubai Civil Defence

Crews spent much of the day putting out the flames and securing the tower. After the flames had been extinguished, Alhaway searched the building as crews continued the cooling process but he failed to return after nearly 40 minutes.

His colleagues found him on the ground floor, having fallen from the fourth level shortly after 6pm. The building is only partially finished with many windows and interior fittings missing.

Major General Rashid Al Matrooshi, head of Dubai Civil Defence, described Alhaway as a martyr killed in the line of duty and "a role model for his colleagues, a true patriot".

He had served at Union fire station in Satwa since March. He was unmarried and it was not clear if he died at the scene or succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

A message posted online from the service said firefighters' thoughts and prayers were with his family.

Civil defence said personnel from three stations were sent to tackle the tower blaze. No other injuries were reported.