Dubai New Year's fireworks go ahead as fire engulfs highrise hotel

A fire engulfed The Address Hotel in downtown Dubai in the United Arab Emirates hours before a large New Year's Eve fireworks display was set to start nearby from the Burj Khalifa tower.

The extent of the damage and injuries remains unclear.Officials say one person suffered aheart attack during the evacuation, and another 14 suffered minor injuries.

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However, amedic on the scene, who declined to be identified, told the Reuters news agency therewere "more than 60 people injured with light injuries from smoke inhalation and from crowding while in the stairs evacuating the building."

A civil defence official had earlier toldthe AlArabiyatelevision networkthere were no injuries.

At about 11 p.m. local time officials said 90 per cent of the fire was under control, and would be fully controlled within half anhour.

The New Year's Eve celebrations would go ahead as planned, they said.

However, as the clock closed in on midnight, the 63-storeytower was stillengulfed in flames and smoke, and wasrattled by at least twolarge explosions.

It was not immediately clear what caused the fire, which ran up at least 20 storeysof the 63-storey,244-room hotel.

Throughout the evening large flames shotskywardfrom the 244-room luxury hotel, which lies across a plaza from the Burj Khalifa, billed asthetallest buildingin the world,atabout 828 metres.

Burning debris rained down from the toweras firetrucks raced to the scene.

The DubaiDepartment of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said guests at the hotel will be provided alternative hotel arrangements.

The planned fireworksshow went as scheduledat midnight, while plumes of smoke billowed in the air from a fire raging at the nearby tower.

Tens of thousands of people whistled and cheered at the display taking place at the Burj Khalifa.

Organizers said earlier1.45tonnesof fireworks would be used in the display.

The fireworks were scheduled to light up the sky around the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab and later down near the Dubai Marina. Fireworks were also set off in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the country of seven emirates.

RAW: New Year's Eve fire in Dubai

9 years ago

Duration 0:48

Fire breaks out in building near massive New Year's Eve fireworks display in Dubai