Atlantis fire casts doubt on opening
Dubai: A massive fire broke out in the lobby of Dubai's next most-anticipated landmark, The Atlantis Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah, on Tuesday.
There are no casualties reported in the blaze that broke out around 7am. According to Dubai Civil Defence, 270 people were evacuated from the five-star hotel, and the fire was doused by 10.15 am. An initial investigation carried out by Dubai police suggests the fire might have started as welders were working in the area.
"We cannot confirm the exact cause of the fire until we conclude our investigations," said Brigadier Abdul Jalil Mahdi, Deputy Director of Dubai Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for Preventative Security.
The hotel management said the extent of damage was yet to be estimated. "There was limited damage to the external roof and lobby dome," Atlantis said.
They also said that the accident would not cause delay in the scheduled opening of the five-star resort on September 24. Sources, however, told Gulf News the opening would be delayed.
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History: Blazes from the past
- Compiled from Gulf News Archives
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