Abu Dhabi gas leak blast claims two Filipinos

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

The late morning gas leak explosion in Abu Dhabi on Monday has claimed the lives of two Filipinos and some who had sustained injuries remain confined in a hospital.

The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi released an official statement, signed by Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, on this on Tuesday evening through its Facebook Page. The identities of the victims were withheld for privacy concerns.

In a related development, upon the directives of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, the ERC will cover the accommodation costs of the residents of the building affected by the gas explosion, says WAM.

Sheikh Hamdan ordered the ERC to comfort and fulfil the needs of the 208 individuals from 38 families who were affected. The ERC centre in Abu Dhabi, in coordination with the relevant authorities, immediately took action and counted the building’s residents, who were transferred to hotel rooms around Abu Dhabi, under the supervision of a team of ERC volunteers.

Quintana had reached out and conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of all the necessary assistance.

“It is with deep sadness that the Embassy shares the latest information that two Filipinos died from the unfortunate accident yesterday caused by a gas explosion at a restaurant on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Road (also known as Airport Road) in Abu Dhabi, as reported by UAE authorities.

“The Embassy continues to work with UAE authorities to also obtain details on some injured Filipinos who were brought to the hospital for treatment of minor and moderate injuries so that they can be given appropriate support. The Ambassador advises the Filipino Community to remain safe and to be mindful of the protocol of the host government.”

Initial reports indicated the tragedy occurred at approximately 10am on Monday, due to a gas leak from the building where the popular fast food chains KFC and Hardee’s were situated.

A big number of the over 600,000 Filipinos in the UAE work in the consumer and service sectors such as in the food and restaurant business.