Dubai: The popular corner eatery Baithal Ravi Restaurant on Al Musalla Road in Bur Dubai erupted in heavy smoke and flames on Tuesday afternoon.
Musawer Sultan/Gulf News reader
Located a stone’s throw from the Bank Street and Al Musalla Road intersection, the Ravi eatery was swamped in heavy grey smoke that billowed into the sky. Those still gathered at the scene said the fire started around 3.30pm, apparently after a fault in the newly installed electric signage on the upper deck.
There were no immediate reports of casualties and staff and guests rushed out of the premises safely. Investigators were still on the scene until late.
Kunal Autade/Gulf News Reader
Officials of Dubai Civil Defence could not be immediately reached for comment to confirm the official cause of the blaze. No damage estimate was available.
“My duty was in the family dining section upstairs and I noticed smoke was building up in the hall. I went downstairs and had a look from the outside. The flames were just starting and swept all across the signage,” one person on the scene at the time of the fire said.
“It was all over in minutes, even before the fire crews got here.” There was virtually no damage in the lower deck, said witnesses. The upper seating area was also largely spared with the damage mainly restricted to the signage, they said.
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“This signage was new, just installed at the end of March. I can’t believe how quickly it all happened,” said an eyewitness. Residents and shopkeepers gathered around taking pictures on their mobile phones.
Smoke blown by winds
Black smoke blown by winds engulfed the multi-storey Mussalla Towers as firefighters far below fought the blaze to knock down flames. Fire trucks were on the scene within minutes of the black smoke being reported by neighbours who live in the high-density neighbourhood along one of Dubai’s most historic streets.
The restaurant is just one of the many popular eateries along Al Musalla Road frequented both by residents in the area as well as tourists who flock to the Dubai Creek area.
The restaurant is a well-known favourite for its many authentic regional dishes.
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