An inferno swept through one of the world’ s tallest residential building “The Dubai Marina Torch” – an 86-storey building – on Saturday night leading to massive evacuation of its residents. Police Chief General Khamis Mattar told the State news agency WAM that it seemed like an accident and there is currently no suspected foul play, but investigating is still ongoing regarding the cause of the fire.
A witness said flames shot out from two sides of the building as glass and metal rained down close to the summit of the structure, which stands more than 330 meters (1,082 feet) tall. Mattar said four people had suffered minor injuries and at least a dozen fire trucks joined in extinguishing the fire several hours after the alarm went off around 2 a.m. (2200 GMT Friday).
Residents said the fire had been fanned by high winds, dislodging chunks of metal and glass onto the area below, including a nearby road more than 100 meters (330 feet) away. Traffic in the area was diverted and residents of two other nearby buildings in the emirate’s Marina district, home to thousands of expatriate professionals, were also evacuated, the witness said.
Residents of neighboring towers were returning to their homes around 4:30 a.m., but residents of The Torch were told they would not be allowed back into the building until an approval is provided by the fire officials later on Saturday. Residents of the upper floors that were mostly affected were told it may take up to a couple of day before they can return back to their apartments.
