Grandfather tells of desperate effort to save children killed in Fujairah house fire

Siblings, aged seven and eight, died after blaze swept through their family home

Two children died in a fire in Fujairah on Tuesday. Pawan Singh / The National

The grandfather of two young children killed in a house fire in Fujairah has told how members of the Emirati family battled to save their lives.

Eight-year-old Tayf Al Yammahi and her seven-year-old brother, Naif, died after a blaze broke out at their home in Al Tuwiyain area of the emirate on Tuesday.

Their five-year-old brother, Hamad, was seriously injured in the incident but is recovering.

Emergency crews arrived at the property after being alerted about the incident at 2pm and were able to bring the fire under control.

Rashid Al Yammahi said he arrived to find the home engulfed in smoke.

“My son, the father of the children, called me in distress to inform me about the fire,” he said.

“The door to the children’s room, where three of them were sleeping, got stuck.

"I'm not sure why, maybe the pressure of the heat."

Mr Al Yammahi said his son and other relatives made a desperate effort to open the door.

"They all tried to force open the door but when it was finally opened, the two kids were already dead," he said.

Emergency services sent to the scene gained access to the room and were able to rescue the younger child.

“Emergency crews were on site, and paramedics provided immediate treatment for the five-year-old,” Mr Al Yammahi said.

The child suffered smoke inhalation and burns as a result of the fire.

He was initially taken to Fujairah's Dibba Hospital for treatment but has subsequently been transferred to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi, which provides specialised care for burn victims.

“The boy is recovering, but we are not sure yet when he will be discharged,” the grandfather said.

He said two other siblings, aged under four, were in the home at the time but did not require hospital care.

“The family is finding solace in their faith,” he said.

“We do not know the reason for the fire yet. Authorities are still investigating the cause.”

Ammar Al Yammahi, the father of the children, thanked loved ones, friends and neighbours for their support during his family's ordeal.

“My five-year-old son, Hamad, who survived the fire was transferred to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City,” he said.

“His condition is improving, and the attending doctor confirmed his lungs are healthy."

Officials said an investigation had been launched to determine the cause of the fire.

Maj Gen Mohammed Ahmed bin Ghanem Al Kaabi, Commander-in-Chief of Fujairah Police, expressed his condolences to the family and wished a speedy recovery to the injured child.

Authorities have reminded the public to carry out regular maintenance of electrics in their home to avoid any fires during summer.