Fire ravages Dubai highrise

At least 10 foreign workers have died and eighthave been injured in the fire which broke out around 2 am in the 86-storey Torch tower on the northeast end of the densely populated district, which is packed with multistorey skyscrapers.

High winds whipped through the area and debris from the fire cluttered nearby streets after the blaze appeared to be extinguished. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear. The Marina area is home to dozens of towering apartment blocks and hotels, many of them built over the past decade. The apartments are popular with Dubai’s large number of expatriate professionals.

Police blocked off areas around the Torch, which still had power. Lights were on in many of the apartments inside and multiple fire trucks and police vehicles were on the scene.

Residents of at least one neighbouring tower were told to evacuate as a precaution because of strong winds, but they were later allowed back inside. Two residents of the Torch said they were told the fire started around the 52nd floor. Flaming material falling from the initial fire then set a lower part of the building ablaze, they said.

One of the residents, Steve Short, 53, of Liverpool, England, praised the work of firefighters who arrived quickly. He said fire alarms alerted residents to the blaze and building management sent workers knocking on doors to ensure evacuation.quick

Resident R.J. Morlock, of Houston, shot video on his phone that showed bright yellow flames rea-ching what appeared to be several stories on two separate parts of the building. He said the residents were nervous while coming out but the fire crew were able to bring the situation under control. “I was really surprised when they got the fire under control so quickly,” he said.