The Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu has confirmed that three Kenyans passed on in an inferno that broke out in a 52-tower building in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Sunday.
Taking to social media to confirm the news on Tuesday evening, PS Njogu added that five total casualties had been confirmed in the residential building inferno and condoled with the bereaved families.
"I regret to inform you that 3 Kenyans are among 5 casualties that passed on following an inferno that occurred in Sharjah, UAE, on Sunday," she stated.
"My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased diaspora. We stand with you to offer support during this difficult time."
The blaze reportedly broke out at around 11.31am at the 44th of the 52-storey residential building, leading to a scramble among the residents trying to save themselves.
According to Khaleeji Times, the tower was inhabited by 1,500 people, most of whom are from different nationalities.
In the scramble, the publication reported that four people fell while running from the blaze and succumbed. One more, a Pakistani, succumbed to shock from the incident.
Witnesses who spoke to Khaleej Times, mostly Somalis, told tales of using ropes to scale the building, trying to escape the trap.
Apart from the three Kenyans, a Cameroonian is also said to have succumbed in the inferno. The Kenyans were reportedly working in the building as domestic staff.
The Sharjah Police immediately launched investigations into the cause of the inferno with a forensic laboratory team and specialised teams carrying out inspections of the site.
"The blaze broke out at approximately 11:30am, when Sharjah Police received an emergency call reporting flames shooting out from a top-floor apartment," the police said in a statement.
19 others were injured in the blaze and transported for treatment at the Al Qasimi Hospital.
Residents of the tower have since been allowed to gradually return to their apartments starting Sunday evening, although access to floors above the 30th level will remain restricted for further investigations.
