Blaze rips through 60-storey Dubai construction site near Burj Khalifa

A blaze ripped through a building near Dubai’s Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest tower – on Sunday morning, local media reported.

According to the Dubai Media Office, the building was a 60-storey construction site expected to be completed by April 2018.

Dubai Civil Defence brings under control fire that broke out in under-construction Fountain Views Towers in Downtown #Dubai pic.twitter.com/p7lqtfiGCH

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 2, 2017

The building was named as The Address Residence Fountain Views and nearby roads were closed off, while traffic was diverted as thick smog filled the air.

#BREAKING: Fire erupts near Dubai Mall. More updates at https://t.co/bwDTKgfIS1 pic.twitter.com/BtyFODLAhA

— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) April 2, 2017

Nearby residents were awoken at around 6 a.m. by the sounds of helicopters and fire trucks tackling the blaze.

BREAKING: Fire breaks out in building near Dubai Mall pic.twitter.com/oavCaGgRsG

— Gulf News (@gulf_news) April 2, 2017

"It was around 5.40am that we saw the fire. At first look we thought it was Dubai Mall that caught fire and we were in shock," Mohammad Jaseem told Dubai’s Gulf News.

"I think the fire might have started well before 5.30 a.m. We could see many police cars, fire trucks and rescue vehicles already at the site."

Pictures of the famous Dubai skyline covered with black smoke were posted on social media in the early hours of the morning.

Breaking news: Fire at tower near Dubai Mall sends plumes of smoke across Downtown https://t.co/NJtaKmwDaw pic.twitter.com/vkNYyGelUJ

— The National (@TheNationalUAE) April 2, 2017

There were no reports of injuries.

 

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