A massive fire that broke out at a hotel in downtown Dubai and sent hundreds of New Year’s Eve revelers fleeing for cover has almost been brought under control and will not affect a fireworks show at the nearby Burj Khalifa, officials have said.
Huge fire erupts at Dubai hotel, site of New Year celebrations, all residents evacuated https://t.co/tamKUt37GO pic.twitter.com/eZtisE6Dk1
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) December 31, 2015
Thousands of people, including hundreds of Qatar residents, are expected to gather in the area to ring in 2016.
People are running away! This is so horrific!!!!! Falling on people's houses pic.twitter.com/gq9AXEyTJr
— AtiehS (@AtiehS) December 31, 2015
Officials reported no fatalities in the fire, which broke out around 9pm Doha time at the Address Downtown Dubai hotel. However, more than a dozen people are being treated for injuries, according to Dubai’s official media office:
14 minor injuries,1 moderate&1 heart attack case reported due 2 over-crowding&smoke at the fire site,all received prompts medical assistance
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 31, 2015
The media office added that the fire appeared to have originated from the outside of the 20th floor of the hotel and had not spread to the inside of the building, though it was evacuated as a precaution.
Because Dubai is one hour ahead of Doha, the highly anticipated fireworks show will begin at 11pm, Qatar time. According to the National:
“Downtown Dubai will kick off the celebrations at midnight, with the world-famous display at Burj Khalifa. A second display will begin at Burj Al Arab at 12:09am and then Jumeirah Beach Residence’s The Beach will close the fireworks display at 12:16am.”
UPDATE: It appears the livestream has been canceled.
Are you in Dubai for NYE? Thoughts?