Two Filipinos killed in Abu Dhabi gas explosion, embassy confirms

Philippine embassy in UAE provides support to families of those who died in Monday's blast

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  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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  The area was cordoned off to the public. The National

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The two people who died in a gas explosion in Abu Dhabi on Monday were from the Philippines, the country's embassy said.

Abu Dhabi authorities said the explosion, caused by a gas leak at a fast food restaurant on Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Road, killed two people and injured others.

On Tuesday, the Philippines embassy in the UAE confirmed "with deep sadness" that the two deceased were its citizens.

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

The embassy is working with local authorities to track down some injured Filipinos, who were taken to a hospital to be treated for minor and moderate injuries.

The embassy said it would give them  support.

The explosion happened about 10.15am on Monday, destroying a KFC, neighbouring Hardee's and other shops near by.

Authorities rushed to the site, evacuated the area and diverted traffic.

The typically busy street, also known as Airport Road, 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.