E-Paper
Sign In
Sharjah: 5 dead, 6 injured in Al Nahda building fire; evacuated families waiting to return
Thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the building as authorities cordoned off the area to ensure public safety
- PUBLISHED: Sun 13 Apr 2025, 1:27 PM
The death toll from a fire that broke out early Sunday morning in a high-rise tower in Sharjah’s Al Nahda area has risen to five. The casualties included four unidentified individuals who reportedly fell to their deaths while attempting to escape the flames. A Pakistani man in his forties also died of cardiac arrest, believed to have been triggered by the shock of the incident.
The fire, which erupted on the 44th floor of the 52-storey residential tower, left six others severely injured and one resident suffering from smoke inhalation. Those injured in the incident are currently receiving treatment at Al Qassimi Hospital, and their condition is reported to be stable.
Recommended For You
Despite the rapid response by emergency teams, the fire claimed the lives of four people who fell from the building while trying to flee. Their bodies were found completely charred. Authorities confirmed that the Pakistani victim did not suffer burn injuries but collapsed due to the trauma of the event.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
The Sharjah Civil Defence said the fire was reported at 11.30am. Firefighting units from multiple stations rushed to the scene, evacuated residents, and brought the fire under control.
By 7pm, the authority completed the cooling operations and handed the site over to the police for further investigation. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and a probe has been launched to determine it.
Thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the building as authorities cordoned off the area to ensure public safety.
When Khaleej Times visited the site on Sunday, evacuated tenants were waiting for permission to return. Some were seen outside, waiting for the go-ahead from authorities to re-enter their homes.
Residents were gradually allowed to return to their apartments later in the evening, but access to floors above the 30th level will remain restricted until safety checks are completed.
Authorities assured that temporary accommodation will be arranged for families unable to return home. Further updates are expected once the site is fully secured and investigators are able to assess the damage.
Eyewitnesses said the fire broke out on the top two floors of the tower. Located opposite Sahara Centre, the building is one of the tallest in the emirate.
“We could see officials swiftly responding and managing the evacuation. Tenants were waiting in cafes and restaurants to return to their homes, which were not damaged. I hope they are allowed back soon,” said a café operator located a block away from the affected building.
A shop owner said several families live in the tower.
Traffic diversions remain in place around the building to facilitate emergency response efforts and ensure public safety.
Watch the video below:
Another incident of fire was reported on the day from a fruits and vegetables warehouse located in Sharjah’s industrial area 15. It was brought under control, the emirate's civil defence authority said.
