The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the tragic death of two Kenyans following a fire that broke out on Sunday morning at a residential building in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly among Kenyans living in the UAE, as chilling videos circulated on social media showing flames engulfing the 44th floor of the 52-storey high-rise.
According to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei, the process of reaching out to the families of the victims has commenced. The names of the deceased will not be released until their families have been informed. However, police have reported that the fire resulted in the deaths of five individuals: two Kenyans, one Cameroonian, and two others who have yet to be identified.
Dr. Sing’oei stated, “The autopsy report is expected to be out in the course of the next 2 to 3 days. Out of the two dead bodies, one who is highly suspected to be Kenyan identified by only one name is yet to be fully identified because his body including the head was severely damaged beyond recognition.” This grim detail highlights the severity of the incident.
One Kenyan also sustained injuries in the fire, which began at approximately 11:31 AM on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in a building that housed around 1,500 residents. Eyewitness accounts describe how the fire erupted suddenly, creating panic among the residents.
In a preliminary report issued on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Sharjah Police confirmed the circumstances surrounding the fire. As investigations continue, forensic experts have been deployed to the site to ascertain the cause of the blaze. The police have not yet determined the cause of death for the five victims, pending the results of the autopsy.
Kenyans living in the UAE have rallied together, utilizing WhatsApp groups to mourn their lost colleagues while expressing frustration over the slow response of local authorities. Many feel that a more timely intervention could have potentially saved lives.
As the investigation unfolds, local authorities have expressed their condolences. In a statement, they said, “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the deceased and share in their grief during this difficult time.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the community, as many are left grappling with the loss of their friends and colleagues.
This incident is not isolated; it reflects a troubling pattern of residential fires in the UAE, particularly in high-rise buildings. Just a few months prior, on January 25, 2024, a fire in Sharjah's Muwaileh area claimed the lives of a Pakistani man and his 11-year-old daughter, while his wife and two other children were hospitalized in critical condition.
In another tragic event in April 2023, a fire in a Dubai residential building resulted in 16 fatalities and nine injuries. The blaze engulfed a five-storey building in the Al-Ras neighborhood, an area known for its dense population of migrant workers and traders. Experts have noted that in several of these incidents, the spread of flames may have been exacerbated by the exterior cladding of the buildings.
Sharjah, one of the seven emirates that comprise the UAE, has seen its share of similar tragedies, raising concerns about fire safety regulations and the adequacy of emergency response protocols. As the community mourns, questions linger about what measures can be taken to prevent such disasters in the future.
The recent fire has not only highlighted the vulnerability of high-rise living but also the importance of community response in times of crisis. As Kenyans in the UAE come together to support one another, they are also calling for accountability and improved safety measures to protect residents in the future.
In the meantime, the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, with updates expected as authorities gather more information. The community remains hopeful for answers and for justice for those who lost their lives in this tragic event.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by expatriates in the UAE, who often work far from home, seeking better opportunities while navigating a foreign land. As they grapple with grief, the Kenyan community, along with others affected by the fire, will continue to advocate for safety and justice.
