Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed visits people injured in Abu Dhabi gas explosion

The blast killed three people and injured others on August 31

• 

  Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed visits people who were wounded in a gas explosion in Abu Dhabi on August 31. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office

• 

  Three people died and several more were wounded in the blast at a KFC and Hardee's restaurant. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office

• 

  Sheikh Khaled ordered a review of safety measures for transporting gas and its storage. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office

• 

  Sheikh Khaled visits people who were admitted to hospital following the gas explosion. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office

• 

  Workers board up a building on Airport Road in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, September 1, a day after the deadly gas blast. The National

• 

  Workers began clearing debris that was flung into the street after the ground floor blast at the KFC and Hardee's outlet. The National

• 

  Two people died and others were injured in the accident on Monday morning. The National

• 

  The area was cordoned off to the public. The National

• 

  The authorities are carrying out checks in the surrounding area to ensure any gas pipe faults are found. The National

• 

  Police released this image of extensive damage to a building in central Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: AD Police

• 

  An eyewitness took this image showing the damage that the blast caused. Courtesy Naeema Baloch

• 

  A nearby resident shared these images of the blast on Airport Road.

• 

  Abu Dhabi Police said it was thought the blast was caused by a gas leak.

• 

  The accident left debris strewn across the street in front of the building.

• 

  Abu Dhabi Police said a number of people were taken to hospital with 'minor and moderate injuries'.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed visited people who were wounded in a gas explosion in Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday.

The member of the Executive Council and chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office visited Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and wished the wounded a rapid recovery.

He also directed Abu Dhabi's Department of Community Development to attend to the patients and ensure their full recovery.

Three people died as a result of the explosion at a building on Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Road – known locally as Airport Road – on August 31.

Investigations showed the explosion was caused by a misalignment in the gas container fittings after the residential building was refuelled.

The blast instantly killed two Filipino people and fatally injured another from Sri Lanka. The blast also destroyed a KFC, neighbouring Hardee's and other shops near by.

The Sri Lankan embassy in the UAE said another of its citizens, injured in the explosion, was in the intensive care unit of a hospital.

Police reminded the public to be careful when dealing with gas connections and other energy sources.

On Tuesday, Sheikh Khaled instructed Abu Dhabi's government offices to review safety and security requirements for buildings’ gas transport and storage and to upgrade them in line with best international practice to ensure the community's safety.

Following the explosion, Emirates Red Crescent came forward to cover the cost of accommodation of more than 200 people who were left temporarily homeless.

The humanitarian organisation will provide support for 208 people living in the building who had to be relocated.

ERC said volunteers from its Abu Dhabi centre were involved in the evacuation of the building and transferring residents to hotels in the city.

How to safely use gas:

On Tuesday, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence issued a list of points reminding the public how to safely use gas and prevent any dangerous leaks.

Here are the recommendations for residents living in villas or flats:

• Ensure that gas pipes supplying cookers are correctly installed using the appropriate regulator
• Ensure the gas cooker has a safety system to prevent or warn against leaks
• Provide adequate ventilation in the kitchen
• Do not place the cylinder in direct sunlight
• Install gas leak detectors

Advice for facilities and businesses:

• Ensure gas contractors have a valid licence
• Ensure gas maintenance and installation technicians are licensed
• Use gas system equipment licensed by Civil Defence
• Ensure maintenance and gas supply contractors are approved by Civil Defence