A rising inferno has engulfed a tower and forced residents to evacuate in the United Arab Emirates city of Sharjah.
Video footage shows the blaze ripping through the Abbco residential tower, with flames pouring out of apartments and completely destroying at least one side of the structure. The orange glow of the fire, which broke out at about 9pm on Tuesday (local time), could be seen across the city.
"It took several drones, at least a dozen fire trucks, and scores of firefighters but authorities finally put out a massive fire that ravaged the 40-floor Abbco Tower," said a local journalist on Twitter.
According to Gulf News, the blaze began on the 10th floor of the tower, but the cause is not yet known. The media outlet says the local civil defence group quickly responded and "averted a major disaster".
Residents were forced to evacuate and at least nine people are believed to have sustained minor injuries. Police are now using a drone to inspect the building and see if anyone remains inside.
“We have contacted the building owner and alternate accommodation will be provided to all residents. It is still not clear how many apartments have been affected," Colonel Dr Ali Abu Al Zoud, the deputy director-general of central operations of the Sharjah police, said.
The tower reportedly has 36 residential floors, each with about 12 flats.