Overloading caused Sharjah tower fire, reveals initial probe

Brigadier Sami Al Naqbi, Director-General of the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, affirmed that the preliminary investigation conducted by the Fire Laboratory team after technical examination and inspection of Al Nahda Tower, revealed that a gradual increase in the temperature of the metal electrical connections and circuits of the transformer, due to overloading, led to its combustion, then the fire then spread to flammable materials, as the area was occupied beyond its capacity.

The fire claimed the lives of 5 people and resulted in 19 injuries.

Al Naqbi added that a specialised investigation committee is being formed to review all licences and approvals related to the building and take legal action against violators if negligence is proved.

Brigadier Sami Al Naqbi emphasised that during a fire, especially in high-rise buildings, proper evacuation methods must be followed, such as using staircases, which are the safe and approved means of escape.

"Elevators should be avoided, as the incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety instructions," he added, indicating that previous directives of  His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah effectively prevented the incident from escalating into a disaster.

It is worth noting that the Emirate of Sharjah witnessed an intensive inspection campaign on buildings in 2024 to ensure compliance with safety standards, and violators were fined and required to make necessary modifications.

Engineer Khalifa Bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Director of Technical Services at the City Municipality, affirmed that the fire in Al Nahda Tower, whose facade was recently updated, did not spread beyond the affected apartment or to surrounding buildings and the firefighting operation was completed in record time without the need to evacuate residents or relocate them temporarily.

Al Suwaidi stated that the damage to the building was minimal, confined only to the fire site, while the external facades remained completely intact. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the new fire-resistant materials used in the replacement project announced on Feb.17, 2025.

Regarding losses, Al Suwaidi affirmed that the material damage was minor and if the facades had not been replaced, the estimated cost of losses would have exceeded Dhs12 million, as the flammable aluminum content in the facade was over 90%.

The losses would have been catastrophic if not for the wise directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, which contributed to protecting lives and property, Al Suwaidi added.