UAE crisis chief hails Abu Dhabi fire hero during hospital visit

Iman Al Safaqsi was hurt while coming to aid of people injured in recent fire

Ali Saeed Al Neyadi, chairman of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, visits Iman Al Safaqsi at a hospital in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Wam

The UAE's crisis and emergency chief has praised the heroic actions of a woman injured coming to the aid of people hurt in a fire that broke out in Abu Dhabi.

Ali Saeed Al Neyadi, chairman of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, visited Iman Al Safaqsi at a hospital in the emirate.

She is still recovering after being hurt while offering assistance to others caught up in a fire which broke out in a residential building in Khalidiya, Wam reported.

Emergency services were called to a large blaze in the Khalidiya area last month.

Two people died and at least 120 were injured when a gas cylinder exploded on May 23 in an Abu Dhabi restaurant.

A number of shops and six buildings were damaged in the resulting fire.

Emergency services have dealt with two serious fires in the emirate in recent days.

Nineteen people were taken to hospital after suffering “minor to moderate injuries” in a fire at a 30-storey building in Al Zahiya on Friday, June 17.

One person died in a building blaze in the Al Dana district late on Thursday evening.

Mr Al Neyadi wished Ms Al Safaqsi a speedy recovery from her injuries, hailing her courageous deeds.

He said helping others was a deep-rooted value across all segments of Emirati society, exemplified by both citizens and residents. He lauded Ms Safaqsi for her humanity and sense of responsibility to others.

Ms Al Safaqsi and her family extended their thanks to Mr Al Neyadi for the visit.