Fire engulfs Dubai high-rise hotel

A fire of  huge proportion has engulfed a high-rise hotel in central Dubai as the country is one of the first few countries to enter the New Near.

The display at the world’s tallest skyscraper, the nearby Burj Khalifa, started as planned as midnight arrived in the Gulf state despite the tragic fire outbreak.

Officials say the fire is now under control and 16 people suffered mostly minor injures. The cause is not known.

Up to two million people had been expected in central Dubai for the festivities. Crowds were asked to leave the area around The Address Downtown hotel, which has been evacuated.

Smoke from the fire could be seen obscuring the view of the illuminated Burj Khalifa
Flames appeared to rapidly engulf much of the building, a five-star hotel and apartment complex with more than 60 storeys, within 10 minutes.

The Dubai government said14 people had suffered minor injuries, one moderate injuries and one heart attack case due to “overcrowding and smoke at the fire site”.

It was learnt that the fire had started on the 20th floor of the hotel.

A tourist, Michelle Duque said, “The flames burst out really big and before we knew it the whole of the Address Hotel was covered in orange flames.”

“The problem is millions of people inside the Burj Khalifa cannot move anywhere because we [are] kind of waiting for the fireworks display.”

At the moment, Dubai government official says about 90% of the fire is being contained. Casualty fire can also not be determined.