30 Aug, 2016 14:41

Major blaze breaks out at 28-storey Abu Dhabi highrise (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

A skyscraper was engulfed in smoke as a massive fire swept through the 28-storey building currently under construction.

It took over two hours to bring the blaze, which started at around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, under control. Thick smoke billowing from the building could be seen from all over the UAE capital.

Heavy plumes of smoke continue as firefighters struggle to put out the Abu Dhabi fire.
By KT surfer Fasiha Shaikh pic.twitter.com/OBfnig8Yb4
— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) August 30, 2016

Another skyscraper on fire... Dunno how many buildings and cars I've seen burn living in the UAE. People just don't get how hot it gets... Let's hope the people involved are safety smart 👷🏻
A photo posted by Chad Thompson (@sendchad) on Aug 30, 2016 at 2:03am PDT

Hundreds of workers, residents and people staying in hotels in the surrounding area were evacuated as a precaution, though there have been no reports of any injuries.

I passed this construction so many times, thinking when they will complete it, would be great. And here it is 😞 Hope everyone is safe #fire #abudhabi #inabudhabi
A photo posted by Anna Volovik (@fyz_fyzzz) on Aug 30, 2016 at 2:09am PDT

Photos and videos of the burning building were shared on social media by concerned locals. This is the fifth such fire to strike a UAE tower in the last 18 months, according to Reuters, and the cause of this blaze has yet to be determined.

So, this is happening really close to my office #fire #AbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/G0sEEZsPQ1
— Thécla (@Theclatjuh) August 30, 2016

I hope all the workers and firemen on site and anyone near Abu Dhabi mall and Beach Rotana are safe and that they'll get the fire under control ASAP. #rightnow #fire #accident #highrise #construction #inabudhabi #instaabudhabi #beachrotana #abudhabimall Absolutely not my favourite view from my window. May everyone be safe!
A photo posted by Ingrid (@tobeingridornottobe) on Aug 30, 2016 at 2:08am PDT