A gas cylinder explosion in a restaurant in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, killed two people and injured 120 others, according to authorities.
According to initial reports, “64 persons had minor injuries, 56 others were moderately injured, and two people died,” according to authorities.
They stated that the blast on Monday started a fire that damaged the exterior of six buildings and a number of stores before being put out.
Four of the damaged buildings were “safely” evacuated, and police said they were working to find temporary housing for their tenants “until the buildings are totally secured.”
First responders ministering to a victim on a gurney, with debris and shattered glass strewn across the pavement, according to photos supplied by Abu Dhabi police.
Around midday, a witness informed The National newspaper that he heard two explosions.
“The first sound was minor, and people started calling the fire department and the police,” the unidentified man stated.
“Then there was a huge explosion. It was a very loud noise. The windows rattled, and some smashed in some offices.”
There was no evidence of foul play, according to the officials.
Since a Yemen rebel drone and missile attack murdered three oil employees in Abu Dhabi on January 17, the UAE has been on high alert.
Authorities have foiled three other attempts since then, including one claimed by a little-known militant group with ties to pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq.
The United Arab Emirates is a member of a Saudi-led military coalition fighting in Yemen since 2015 to defend the government against Iran-backed Huthi rebels who hold the capital, Sanaa.
