Dubai: Hundreds of panicked residents fled one of the tallest towers in Dubai early yesterday as a huge fire engulfed the skyscraper, causing extensive damage to its luxury flats.
The inferno gutted the upper part of the 79-storey Torch tower. Amateur footage posted online showed fire engulfing the upper floors of the tower — home to hundreds of expatriates — with debris falling onto the road as strong winds fanned the flames.
Civil defence teams cleared the building, which at 336 metres (1,105 feet) is one of the world’s tallest residential towers. Dubai police said there were no fatalities but seven people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. A civil defence department statement said the fire began on the 51st floor and swept across the tower’s facade affecting 20 storeys. AFP
