Ajman: Nine workers sustained moderate to serious injuries after a gas cylinder exploded in the kitchen area of their living quarters in Al Jurf area in Ajman on Saturday night, police confirmed on Monday.
Authorities said the operation room received a call at 8pm reporting the explosion.
Civil Defence said it “did not take in the role in the accidents as there was no fire; it was just an explosion. The Ajman Police and ambulances arrived at the scene and dealt with the accident”.
The accommodation was not damaged in the explosion despite the injuries.
A rescue team evacuated workers for their safety and they were whisked to Khalifa Hospital by National ambulance.
Ajman police are looking into the matter.
Meanwhile, Ajman Civil Defence is stepping up inspections at labour accommodations and warehouses following the incident, authorities said on Monday.
Lieutenant Colonel Faisal Mohammad Al Shaiba, Deputy Director of Civil Protection and Safety Department at Ajman Civil Defence, urged residents to follow safety instructions for safe storage and use of gas cylinders including keeping cylinders away from sunlight or heat and away from the stove.
Regularly inspections for structural damage and leaks should be carried out and cylinders should be placed properly in an upright position and kept in a well-ventilated, well drained and covered area.
Authorities have also stepped up inspections in industrial areas to check storage of flammable material or gas cylinders.
Inspectors found that some warehouses stored more than 100 gas cylinders without adhering to safety regulations
Lieutenant Colonel Al Shaiba added that owners were given a grace period to rectify and implement proper procedures for fire safety.
“The inspectors will visit the warehouse again to ensure they have followed the instructions,” he said, adding if they don’t, they “would face legal actions according to Civil Defence regulations”.
