Three killed in Abu Dhabi tanker blast; drone attack suspected
ABU DHABI, January 17, 2022
Three people were killed and six wounded as a suspected drone attack today (January 17) blew up petrol tanks near a major oil storage facility in ICAD 3 at Mussafah in Abu Dhabi, reported state media citing Abu Dhabi Police.
The explosions "resulted in the death of a Pakistani national and two Indian nationals, and six others sustained mild to moderate injuries," according to WAM.
Abu Dhabi Police this morning confirmed that a fire broke out, which led to the explosion of three petroleum tankers in ICAD 3, Mussafah, near Adnoc's storage tanks.
A minor fire also broke out in the new construction area of Abu Dhabi International Airport, it stated.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the cause of the fires are small flying objects, possibly belonging to drones, that fell in the two areas.
"Initial investigations found parts of a small plane that could possibly be a drone at both sites that could have caused the explosion and the fire," Abu Dhabi police said in a statement, adding there was no "significant damage".
The Houthi's military (which is suspected to be behind the attack) spokesman said the group launched a military operation "deep in the UAE" and would announce details in coming hours.
Abu Dhabi Police earlier said teams from the competent authorities have been dispatched and the fire is currently being put out.
The competent authorities have launched an extensive investigation into the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding it, the report added.
