Khalidiya building evacuated after residents report explosion

Residents return to the building to get clothing before emergency crews investigate a possible gas leak. Delores Johnson / The National

ABU DHABI // Apartments above a restaurant had to be evacuated overnight after residents reported hearing an explosion and seeing smoke.

Residents said they were asked to leave their homes in the Lebanese Express building in Khalidiya at 1.30am on Thursday morning.

At 11.30am on Thursday, the building on 6th Street West was still cordoned off and there were several police cars and fire engines outside.

A resident who lives on the 11th floor said: “I opened the door of my apartment and saw that there was smoke outside. Then we heard a loud explosion. My family and I covered our mouths and left the building using the stairs.”

He said he and his family had waited outside the building all night in their nightclothes, adding that the rubbish chute had been blocked for more than two weeks and had not been repaired, which he felt may have caused a problem.

“There is no smoke or rubble in the corridors, but there is a terrible smell,” he said.

Another resident said he and others had been well looked after by staff from Emirates Red Crescent, who gave them drinks. But, he said, police should have let them into the building to collect their belongings.

“My concern is we all have duties. It is not good for me to stay here from 1.30am until now,” he said. “I have work.”

A woman who returned to her home but was denied entry, said: “They are saying the investigations might take time and I may not be able to stay here for the next three days.”

*With additional reporting by Naser Al Remeithi