Authorities have confirmed that the deadly fire that engulfed a high-rise residential tower in Al Nahda, Sharjah last Sunday was triggered by an electrical malfunction caused by transformer overload and elevated circuit temperatures.
The Sharjah Civil Defence Authority said the blaze, which erupted on one of the upper floors of the 52-storey building, resulted in five deaths and 19 injuries.
“The initial investigation revealed that temperatures of the metallic and electrical circuits in the transformer had risen due to an overload, causing the fire,” stated Brigadier General Sami Al Naqbi, Director General of the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority in a Khaleej Times report.
Al Naqbi announced that a specialised investigation committee will be reviewing all relevant building permits and approvals. “The investigation is still ongoing, and all legal measures will be taken against the tower’s management if they are proven to have violated the laws,” he said.
He credited previous directives by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, for helping limit the blaze, noting that the removal of non-fire-resistant aluminium cladding was instrumental in containing the flames.
In response to the tragedy, Al Naqbi urged building managers and residents to take proactive measures. He stressed the importance of routine electrical maintenance, adherence to building safety standards, and resident training for emergency evacuations. “This incident highlights the importance of adhering to safety instructions,” he added.
Sharjah authorities have stepped up inspections in the past year, penalizing several violators and mandating safety improvements to prevent future tragedies.