BOMB SCARE Abu Dhabi explosion: Gas cylinder blast sparks fireball in building as cops swarm street over terror attack fears
Aliki Kraterou
16:39 ET, Feb 8 2022Updated: 19:42 ET, Feb 8 2022
A MASSIVE fireball ripped through a building in Abu Dhabi last night after a gas cylinder exploded - with cops fearing a possible terror attack.
Local residents were seen fleeing the scene as the blast sparked a fire after two loud bangs rang out across the city centre.
Footage taken at the scene shows police and emergency services rushing to the blaze after conflicting reports emerged about the blast.
One witness wrote online: "Everyone is talking about the explosions in Abu Dhabi, it was next to our hotel, it looks like fire.
"But we definitely heard two explosions."
The blast initially sparked concerns over the Chelsea squad, who were pictured training in Abu Dhabi just days ago ahead of their Club World Cup campaign.
The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi warned Americans of reports of a possible missile or drone strike having occurred over Abu Dhabi, without elaborating.
But state-run WAM news agency later described the fire as coming from a gas cylinder explosion.
A statement said: “Teams managed to control the situation after extinguishing the fire and safely vacating the residents. No injuries or casualties resulted from the fire.
“Cooling procedures to minimise the damage are currently underway.”
The incident comes after Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched several attacks targeting Abu Dhabi, including a recent attack that killed three people and wounded six.
According to reports on social media one of the explosions happened 12 miles from the hotel of the Brazilian football team Palmeiras.
The team won 2-0 earlier against Egyptian Al Ahly at the Al Nahyan Stadium.
A Brazilian reporter covering the game, said he heard two loud bangs and can see smoke coming from the building, Brasil Urgente reported.
The city is set to play host to UEFA's Club World Cup Competition in the coming days.
https://www.the-sun.com/news/4643543/abu-dhabi-explosion-fears-terror-attack-blasts/