An explosion in a restaurant in downtown Abu Dhabi gutted a few retail outlets on Rashid bin Saeed Street on Monday morning.

Followng the on-site investigations carried out by the authorities in Abu Dhabi, it was found that the incident was caused by a misalignment in the gas container fittings following refuelling.

The Abu Dhabi Media office confirmed on social media that two people have lost their lives.

"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," according to a social media post by Abu Dhabi Media Office.

Meanwhile, rapid intervention teams from the Emergency and Public Safety Department from Abu Dhabi Police are working to carry out a comprehensive checkup of the building and neighbouring buildings to ensure that there are no further injuries, and to ensure residents’ safety, Abu Dhabi Media Office tweeted.

Incident this morning

Earlier this morning, emergency services and rapid intervention teams at Al-Falah Center in the Directorate of Emergency and Public Safety of Abu Dhabi Police quickly arrived at the scene and evacuated the residents safely from the building.

The Abu Dhabi Police HQ posted a message on social media to confirm the explosion. "The rapid intervention teams in the Directorate of Emergency and Public Safety of Abu Dhabi Police are currently dealing with an explosion expected to be caused by gas extensions Monday at a restaurant in a building in Rashid bin Saeed Street in Abu Dhabi, which resulted in minor-to-medium injuries and was taken to the hospital to receive treatment."

(Writing by Mily Chakrabarty; editing by Seban Scaria)

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