Housemaid Severely Injured in Gas Cylinder Explosion in UAE Home

A serious gas cylinder explosion in a residential home in the United Arab Emirates has left a housemaid with severe burns. The incident occurred in Wadi Esfita, located approximately 96 kilometres south of Ras Al Khaimah city, on March 15, 2024. The accident resulted in significant damage to the property and critical injuries to the victim, a 40-year-old Asian housemaid, who is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.

Residents of the house, including local man Musabah Muhammad Al-Laili, reported a narrow escape from the explosion. The family, gathered at the home of Musabah’s late father for their weekly meeting, was present when the incident unfolded. They initially mistook the explosion for someone knocking on the door until they were alerted to the fire by one of the housemaids.

Musabah described the chaotic scene, stating, “We heard a big sound in the evening. At first, we thought someone was banging on the door. Then one of the housemaids called out fire, fire. We rushed and found our home damaged.” He elaborated on the extent of the destruction, noting that the explosion was triggered when a rat chewed through the gas cylinder hose, resulting in a gas leak. The force of the blast was so powerful that the kitchen door was propelled nearly 50 metres away.

Emergency services promptly transported the injured housemaid to Fujair Hospital before she was later transferred to Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital for further care. The explosion caused a wide array of damages: melting utensils, destruction of the air conditioning unit and refrigerator, collapse of the plastic ceiling, and shattering of fans and other household equipment.

As the investigation continues, local authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly focusing on safety protocols regarding gas appliances in residential settings. The situation serves as a reminder of the potential hazards associated with gas cylinders and the importance of regular maintenance and inspections.

This incident highlights the risks present in everyday household environments and underscores the need for vigilance regarding gas safety to prevent similar occurrences in the future.