Hotel stay extended for Torch residents
dubai — Hotel accommodations for Torch Tower residents was extended by one more day, as the authorities continue their investigations into the cause of fire.
The Torch Tower caught fire on August 4, shortly after midnight, and residents were provided temporary accommodation in hotels such as Media One, InterContinental Dubai Marina, Radisson Blu and another property near Sports City.
The inspections by Dubai Civil Defence and CID has been ongoing for three days now, since the incident occurred. This is the second fire in the building. In early 2015, a blaze caused severe damage to the building, damage that was yet to be repaired when the second fire occurred.
Media One hotel was asked by the Kingfield Owner Association, the firm that manages the Torch Tower, to extend 94 residents’ stay by one day more. The hotel’s general manager, Mark Lee, confirmed this to Khaleej Times.
“We are making sure they are as comfortable as possible, considering the very hard conditions they must be going through right now. They’ve all been allocated rooms according to their specific
We are here to look after them and keep them as comfortable as possible.” Mark Lee, GM, Media One Hotel
requirements. “The larger families have been given larger rooms. We are here to look after them, provide them whatever they need, keep them as comfortable as possible and just reassure them during a difficult time.
“They (residents) are uncertain and nervous as they would be in this situation, considering what happened.”
Lee added that the hotel will work with Kingfield and the authorities in terms of providing accommodation to residents until a permanent solution is found.
He said that the community has come together to help these residents. Zoom is providing free meal boxes and water to residents staying at Media One.
Radio station Dance FM also helped accommodate 60 residents into the hotel and Dubai Municipality is also liaising with the hotel staff for any assistance that is needed.
The InterContinental Dubai Marina manager, Antje Sahling, also confirmed to Khaleej Times that the beleagured residents are staying there tonight (Sunday) as well. “The bookings are from a day-to-day basis and they are staying here today (Sunday), though we are not sure for how long,” Sahling said.
Authorities said that the investigations are ongoing and residents can return to their flats once they are complete.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com