A tragic fire broke out in a residential high-rise in Sharjah’s Al Nahda area early Sunday morning, claiming five lives and injuring six others.
According to authorities, the fire started on the 44th floor of the tower. Flames spread rapidly, forcing a swift evacuation. Four people reportedly fell while trying to escape and died instantly. Their bodies were later found completely charred. In a separate case, a Pakistani man in his forties collapsed from cardiac arrest during the chaos. He died before medical help could reach him.
Meanwhile, six residents sustained serious injuries, including one case of smoke inhalation. All injured individuals are being treated at Al Qassimi Hospital, and doctors have confirmed their condition as stable.
The fire was reported around 11:30 am. Firefighters from multiple stations arrived promptly at the scene. They evacuated the building and brought the fire under control by afternoon. By 7:00 pm, cooling operations had been completed, and the site was handed over to Sharjah Police for investigation. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but an official probe is underway.
Thick smoke was seen rising from the building as emergency teams cordoned off the area for public safety. Later, when visited the site, several residents were seen waiting outside, hoping to return home. Although many were allowed to re-enter their apartments by evening, access to floors above the 30th level remains restricted due to ongoing safety checks.
Fires in Sharjah
Authorities have assured that temporary accommodation will be arranged for displaced families. Further updates will be provided once the site is fully secured and investigators assess the damage.
Eyewitnesses stated that the fire erupted on the top two floors of the tower, located opposite Sahara Centre. “It was terrifying, but emergency teams acted fast,” said a nearby café operator. “People waited in cafés and shops for hours.” A local shopkeeper added, “Many families live in that building. Thankfully, not all apartments were affected.”
Traffic diversions are still in place around the building to facilitate emergency response and ensure public safety.
On the same day, a separate fire was reported in a fruits and vegetables warehouse located in Industrial Area 15. Civil Defence teams responded promptly and brought that fire under control. No injuries were reported in the second incident.
