Dubai: At least one person is believed to have died after a huge blast rocked the Al Quoz industrial area early on Wednesday.
A large black cloud of smoke could be seen billowing into the air following what witnesses say was a large explosion which shook windows in the surrounding area.
Police sources said that a total of four warehouses were destroyed by the explosion and resulting fire, which began at around 7am.
One person is reported to be dead and one inured, but this has yet to be confirmed.
It has been reported that the fire started in a firecracker warehouse.
Ameer Pineda, who was on his way to work, saw the explosion. "I was terrified. My ears popped and I thought it was a bomb."
All routes towards the industrial area have been closed off.
It is still unclear what has caused the fire, but it was brought under control at arouns 10.15am.
Al Quoz industrial area resembled a battle zone: thick smoke blanketed the sky, smell of burning plastic and card boards, broken bottles and ash spilt all over.
The smoke drifted to other parts of the emirate, spreading panic among residents.
According to police and witnesses, many warehouses caught fire after an explosion rocked a warehouse that stored firecrackers.
Four warehouses were fully gutted in the ensuing fire.
irefighters from other emirates joined Dubai Civil Defence to contain the blaze. Foam and water were pumped into the burning inferno.
According to witnesses, firecrackers were going off much after the explosion that triggered the blaze.
Police cordoned off Al Quoz industrial area and traffic has been diverted to other areas.
The fire is reported to be under control and preliminary reports said one person died in the explosion and one injured.
Ameer Pineda was driving to work this morning when he heard a loud explosion in the Al Quoz area of Dubai.
"I was terrified. My ears popped. I thought it was a bomb"
Ameer, a Filipino national, claims to be the first person to call 999.
He leaves home for work at 6:45 am every day.
When he reached the Al Quoz area at around 7:10 am, "I heard a loud explosion and saw the first mushroom of smoke, so I immediately called the police."
Mr Pineda took some pictures, with shaking fingers.
"I gathered my wits together and called a fire marshal who is my child hood friend. He was extremely busy, so we hope to meet for lunch today to discuss this."
The 44-year-old father of two, has lived in the UAE for the last 20 years but has never experienced anything like this first hand.
"I have taken the day off from work because I am in too much shock," he said.
When the news broke, his worried brother called to check on him because he knows Ameer works in Al Quoz.
"In my panic I have even forgotten to call and inform my wife who is at home in Rashidiya. I think I'll need a day to settle my wits," he said.
By Staff Reporter and Linda George
Gulf News 2008
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