PH
A Cameroonian woman was among the 16 people killed when a massive fire broke out in a residential building in Dubai, UAE.
On Saturday, April 15, 2023, a fire broke out on the fourth floor of a building in the Al-Ras neighborhood, injuring nine people, according to officials.
According to a statement quoted by The National, a UAE-based newspaper, preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was caused by “a lack of compliance with building safety and security requirements.”
“Relevant authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation to provide a detailed report on the causes of the accident,” the statement said.
Social workers, friends, and family members of those who died in the building worked all night to identify their bodies and complete the necessary paperwork.
According to Naseer Vadanappally, a social worker, all 16 victims, including six Sudanese nationals, three Pakistani cousins, four Indians, one Cameroonian national, one Jordanian, and one Egyptian expat, have been identified.
“Relatives, friends and colleagues of these people came through the night to identify them. It is really a heartbreaking process,” he said.
The Cameroonian lady has been identified simply as Nicky, a Chef at a popular restaurant.
The Indian couple has been identified as Jeshi Kandamangalath, a school teacher and Rijesh Kalangadan, who worked in a travel agency close to their place of residence.
