Third person dies following Abu Dhabi gas explosion

A second Sri Lankan citizen is currently in critical condition, embassy says

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'.

A man has died in hospital after being wounded seriously in a gas explosion at an Abu Dhabi building this week.

An incorrectly installed canister blew up on Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Road – known locally as Airport Road – on Monday.

The force of the blast instantly killed two people and injured others. It also destroyed a KFC, neighbouring Hardee's and other shops near by.

On Thursday, the Sri Lankan Embassy in the UAE said one of their citizens died of his injuries while another was still in hospital.

Embassy officials visited the second citizen in the intensive care unit of a hospital. Three people have now died from the explosion.

"The Sri Lanka Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Foreign Ministry are in contact with the UAE law enforcement and hospital authorities to provide the necessary assistance," the embassy said.

The two people who died instantly on Monday were from the Philippines, the country's embassy confirmed.

It said ambassador Hjayceelyn Quintana contacted the families of both victims to express condolences and assure them that they would be given "all necessary assistance".

The explosion happened about 10.15am. Authorities rushed to the site, evacuated the area and diverted traffic.

The typically busy street was closed until 6.30pm while clean-up operations were under way.

Civil Defence asked around the area for anyone who was injured so they could be taken to hospital.

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

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

The cost of accommodation of more than 200 people who were left temporarily homeless by the blast will be covered by Emirates Red Crescent.

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.