NEWS
Quick Access
Sharjah blaze loss put at Dh300 million
By Afkar Abdullah and Amira Agarib

20 August 2007
SHARJAH — A top official of Emirates Lube Oil Company (ELOC) that was reduced to ashes in Friday’s devastating fire at Sharjah’s Port Khalid, which reopened yesterday, said that the factory alone had incurred losses estimated over Dh300 million. However, officials of the Sharjah Civil Defence and Police said the total estimate of the damage caused by the fire will only be known once the investigations are over. The fire erupted at around 11.20pm on Friday causing heavy damage to the oil storage facility and nine port berths. It was one of the most devastating blazes, top official said. Three workers suffered burn injuries.

Maj-Gen. Abdulla Saif Al Shaafar, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, said: “There was a very large amount of stored items, including inflammable material, at the site. It’s to their credit that the firefighters managed to control the fire in a relatively short time.”

The Eloc  warehouse and oil containers that were gutted in the fire belonged to a Sharjah businessman. ELOC sources said the warehouse was used to stock fuel, oil, equipment and machinery.

While investigations are on, normal activity has resumed on Port Khalid. According to officials, nine berths of the port were badly damaged. The fire also caused damage to several nearby buildings and cars in the area.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Ghareeb Shabban, Director-general of Sharjah Civil Defence, said the civil department and police together managed to control the fire and bring the situation to normal within 22 hours of its eruption.

Rashid Al Limi, Director-General of Sharjah Port Authority, confirmed the situation had returned to normal. “Efforts are on to clear the debris and waste while the damaged port platforms, are being repaired and will become fully operational by Monday,” he said.
OTHER STORIES
  Local Content Vital for Arab Media Transition
  Briton Captures Capital’s Top Photography Prize
  Picture This and Stop Smoking!
  RAK Bans Shishas on Corniche
  Sharjah Reading Festival Starts from February 14
  18 Deaths in Maritime Accidents
+ MORE STORIES

Khaleej Times on Facebook
Khaleej Times Services
© 2010 Khaleej Times, All rights reserved