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Two killed and 120 injured in Abu Dhabi gas explosion
The Arabnews reported, citing the Associated Press, Abu Dhabi police said that two people were killed and 120 injured Monday (May 23) in a gas cylinder explosion in a restaurant in the United Arab Emirates capital.
Police tweeted that initial reports “showed that 64 people sustained minor injuries, 56 others were moderately wounded, and two people died."
They added, the blast on Monday (May 23) set off a fire that damaged the facades of six buildings and a number of stores before being brought under control.
The police said that four of the damaged buildings were “safely” evacuated, with efforts underway to find their residents temporary housing “until the buildings are completely secured."
Pictures released by Abu Dhabi police showed first responders tending to a person on a gurney, and debris and broken glass strewn across the pavement.
A witness told The National newspaper that he heard two explosions around lunchtime. The man, who was not identified, said: “The first sound was small and people started calling the fire and police."
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“Then soon, there was a big blast. It was a really big sound. The windows shook and in some offices, the windows shattered.”
The Department of Health Abu Dhabi confirmed that all inured, whose number exceeds over a hundred, received necessary medical care in the emirate's healthcare facilities. The hospitals carried out all the required examinations to ensure the patient's safety and wellbeing.
The authority is coordinating with the relevant embassies and the patients' families to facilitate their visits after their medical treatment.
Three killed and six wounded after fuel tankers exploded in Abu Dhabi
The authorities gave no indication of foul play. However, the UAE has been on heightened alert since a Houthi drone and missile attack killed three oil workers in Abu Dhabi on January 17.
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