Two Indians among 5 killed in Sharjah building fire

TWO Indians were among five people who died in a fire that broke out in a residential building in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates on April 4. Khaleej Times reported after the kin of the deceased and social workers confirmed their identities.

One of the two Indians who perished in the fire that broke in the nine-storey building at Al Nahda area of the city has been identified as Michael Sathyadass, who worked at DXB Live at Dubai Trade Center, the report added. His brother said in social media posts that the deceased was a sound engineer who had worked for concerts that featured renowned artistes such as AR Rahman from India.

Danny Sathyadass said in his Facebook account about his late brother, “[He] chose to be backstage and behind the scenes, literally and figuratively, to ensure that others shine and sound better."

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Michael's employer also wrote an email to its employees condoling his death and praised him as a person who was known for  his “exceptional dedication and loyalty” and “left a lasting impact”, the Khaleej Times report added.

The other Indian who died was a 29-year-old woman from Mumbai, India's financial capital. Her identity was not immediately revealed. Her husband was also seriously injured in the incident and battling for life in hospital.

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A friend of the woman cited the doctors as saying that the condition of the husband was critical. The victim and her injured husband got married in February in Madinah, the friend was quoted as saying by the Khaleej Times. They later moved to Al Nahda.

The father of the deceased woman had reached the UAE to complete the formalities while her husband's brother was with him in the hospital.

The Indian consulate general told the Khaleej Times that it was in touch with the families of the deceased and extended all necessary support. It also said its personnel have visited officials and met those who were receiving treatment.

The building where the fire broke out has 750 apartments. Forty-four people were injured while many were displaced.