Tragedy in UAE: Three Kenyans Confirmed Dead in Sharjah Tower Fire
Three Kenyans have tragically died following a massive fire that broke out in a 52-storey residential building in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday.
The Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary, Roseline Njogu, officially confirmed the sad news through a statement shared on her social media platforms on Tuesday evening.
According to PS Njogu, a total of five people lost their lives in the incident, including the three Kenyans.
She expressed deep sorrow and extended her heartfelt condolences to the grieving families who have lost their loved ones in the tragic fire.
“I regret to inform you that three Kenyans are among the five casualties who died following the devastating inferno that occurred in Sharjah, UAE, on Sunday,” Njogu stated.
“My deepest condolences go to the families of the deceased Kenyans in the diaspora. We are here to support you during this difficult and painful time.”
The fire reportedly started at around 11:30 am on the 44th floor of the towering residential structure. Panic quickly spread throughout the building as residents scrambled to escape the flames.
Eyewitness accounts describe terrifying scenes as people tried to flee — some even resorted to climbing down the building using ropes to save themselves.
The Sharjah Police have confirmed that four of the victims died after falling while attempting to escape the blaze.
Another victim, a Pakistani national, is reported to have died from shock caused by the traumatic experience.
Khaleej Times, a local UAE news outlet, reported that the residential tower housed around 1,500 occupants from various nationalities.
Among those who died, apart from the three Kenyans, was a Cameroonian. The deceased Kenyans are said to have been working in the building as domestic workers.
Witnesses, many of whom were Somali nationals living in the tower, described the horrifying moments they faced trying to flee from the intense fire.
Some said they had no choice but to tie and use ropes to descend from the higher floors to safety.
Sharjah Police responded quickly after receiving an emergency call about flames coming from a top-floor apartment.
Forensic experts and specialized teams were deployed to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage.
In total, 19 people were injured in the incident and were rushed to Al Qasimi Hospital for treatment. The authorities are closely monitoring their condition.
Residents of the building were gradually allowed to return to their homes starting Sunday evening. However, those living above the 30th floor are still not allowed to access their apartments as investigations continue on the affected upper floors.
The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, is working closely with UAE authorities and the families of the victims to provide necessary support and to follow up on the investigations.
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