Ajman gas explosion caused by the flick of a switch
A woman was hurt when the flick of a switch caused a gas explosion in the kitchen of a home in Ajman on Friday.
Col Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director of Ajman Civil Defence, said a gas cylinder in the outside cooking area – separate to the main villa in Al Raqab – had been leaking and the flick of a switch by the house maid ignited the gas.
The woman suffered severe injuries and was taken to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Hospital.
Pictures released by Ajman Civil Defence showed the building’s collapsed walls.
Police put out a safety warning to the public after the incident.
Col Al Suwaidi called on home owners to handle gas canisters with care and ensure that these are regularly maintained to avoid leaks.
He said canisters should be stored away from direct sunlight and flammable materials and advised people not keep their windows open so that gas leaks could be detected by their smell.
If a gas leak is suspected, Col Al Suwaidi advised against turning on any electrical appliances and said people should report the leak to police.
This is the second gas explosion reported in the emirate in a matter of months.
In January, five people were hurt in a gas explosion at a cafe in Ajman.
Four members of staff and a gas company worker were taken to hospital after the blast at Feza Cafe in Al Rashidiya district.
Lt Col Mustafa Sultan Al Ali of Ajman Civil Defence sent a safety note to business owners about the installation and servicing of gas equipment after the incident.