Gas cylinder explosion in Ajman injures five

Initial investigations revealed the explosion occurred after workers at the factory were using heat to affix a sticker to one of the cylinders

A gas cylinder explodes in a factory in Ajman on Friday. Courtesy Ajman Civil Defence

Five people were injured in an explosion at a gas cylinder filling factory in Ajman on Friday.

Of the five injured – all of Asian origin – one had to be taken to Sheikh Khalifa Hospital with severe injuries. The four others were treated on site.

Civil Defence received reports of the explosion at around 3.30pm and dispatched an ambulance, fire fighters and rescue teams.

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Capt Ali Al Marzooqi, the officer in charge, said the explosion appears to have occurred while workers were affixing a label on one of the cylinders using heat.

The explosion led to seven other cylinders catching fire.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze before the site was handed over to police for further investigation.

Capt Al Marzooqi called on all owners of gas factories to abide by safety measures, keep all cylinders away from heat and ensure the use of safe tools and methods by workers.