According to the Russian Satellite News Agency, on the evening of the 7th local time, a container freighter parked at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, United Arab Emirates accidentally caught fire and exploded. A huge fireball lit up the night sky and earthquakes were felt in most areas of Dubai.
Reportedly, Dubai government officials confirmed that the explosion started when a container caught fire on the ship. Dubai government personnel revealed to Al Arabiya TV that “there was flammable material in a container.”
The fire subsequently triggered a large-scale explosion. According to reports, according to local descriptions, there were many explosions throughout the city. Buildings were shaking. Video footage showed that after the explosion, debris was scattered at the scene, there were still many fire points, and thick smoke billowed from the scene.
Dubai government officials said that emergency personnel have now controlled the fire and the explosion has not caused any casualties. The cause of the accident is still under further investigation.
It is currently unclear the damage to the port, ships and surrounding cargo. But charred containers, ashes and scattered remains of items could be seen.
From the live video, we can also see that the ship was carrying containers with the logos of COSCO and K Line.
According to the latest berthing data at Dubai Port, a group of small tugs and support vessels surround a container ship named Ocean Trader.
Live footage replayed by the UAE state-run news agency WAM also showed that based on the paint and markings on the hull, the accident ship should be this one operated by the Dubai company Inzu Ship Charter. Ocean Trader’s small container ship.
Based on the current relevant preliminary information, it is initially judged that Ocean Trader may be an announced barge connecting Dubai Port to other Middle Eastern ports. This type of announced barge generally serves many internationally renowned Liner company, so the signature containers of COSCO Shipping and K Line can be seen on board!
Considering that this container ship fire was suspected to be caused by dangerous goods, triggering a series of earthquake-level explosions, Dubai, the largest container port in the Middle East, will most likely need to be closed urgently, and the suspension time will depend on the rescue. It depends.
Foreign trade export companies that have recently transited to other remote ports in the Middle East via Dubai Port, or have loaded ships that have stopped at Dubai Port , special attention needs to be paid to the impact of this accident! </p
