DUBAI, United Arab Emirates. (THECOUNT) — A container ship anchored in Dubai at one of the world’s busiest port of call for American warships outside of the U.S., caught fire late Wednesday, causing an explosion that sent shockwaves across the hub of the United Arab Emirates around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday.
The blaze sent up giant orange flames on a vessel at the crucial Jebel Ali Port, the busiest in the Middle East, which sits on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula. The combustion unleashed a shock wave through the city, shaking buildings and windows in neighborhoods as far as 25 kilometers (15 miles) away from the port, according to AP.
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There were no immediate reports of casualties at the port, which is also the busiest port of call for American warships outside of the U.S. Early Thursday, the Dubai government issued a statement saying that emergency services had brought the blaze under control. Authorities posted footage on social media of firefighters dousing giant shipping containers. The glow of the blaze was visible in the background as civil defense crews worked to contain the fire.
The extent of damage caused to the sprawling port and surrounding cargo was not immediately clear. The cause of the fire also was not immediately known.
Port officials said they were “taking all necessary measures to ensure that the normal movement of vessels continues without any disruption.”
Mona al-Marri, director general of Dubai Media Office, told Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya TV that this incident “could happen anywhere in the world” and that the government’s communication office worked to issue statements quickly to avert rumors from spreading as the cause of the fire is being investigated.
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