Fire Breaks Out During NYE Celebration In Dubai

Amid celebrations to ring in 2016, a massive fire in Dubai on New Year's Eve ripped through a downtown building. What caused the blaze at the Address Hotel, a luxury hotel and residential building near the the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, is not yet known, though the building was close to a fireworks display meant to celebrate the New Year. The Associated Press reported that burning debris was falling from the building as firetrucks arrived. Photos from the scene are terrifying, as the images show how a tiny fire started and then made its way up the entire 63-story building.

People across the city uploaded photos and videos of the blaze on social media, showing the progression of the fire, which was completely devastating. According to the Dubai Media Office, there were 14 minor injuries, one moderate injury, and one person suffered from a heart attack, all due to smoke and overcrowding at the site of the blaze. The office said everyone received prompt medical attention.

The Dubai Media Office confirmed the fire in a Tweet, stating:

A fire has been reported in the Address Downtown hotel. Authorities are currently on-site to address the incident swiftly and safely #Dubai