Skyscraper engulfed in flames in UAE

by J. Edward Moreno - 05/05/20 5:05 PM ET

A skyscraper in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) caught fire Tuesday evening, according to multiple reports.

Officials remain unsure what led to the massive fire at the 48-floor Abbco Tower in Sharjah, a city that neighbors Dubai, The Associated Press reported.

The residential tower sustained massive damage before the fire was contained. No fatalities have been reported, though several people were treated for breathing difficulties, according to local media.

#Sharjah Civil Defence firefighters are close to overpowering the blaze. But the tower seems badly damaged by the #fire https://t.co/8f4ND1H1z8 pic.twitter.com/EG07xsatoz

— Vicky Kapur (@vickykapur) May 5, 2020

The country has seen several similar building fires in recent years, which safety experts told the AP is due to the material used for the buildings’ sidings, called aluminum composite panel cladding, which is prone to fires.

DEVELOPING: 48-floor high-rise tower catches fire in the United Arab Emirates. https://t.co/K3EzK2Xs2S pic.twitter.com/itkYrN3s7u

— ABC News (@ABC) May 5, 2020