A fire on Thursday night that appeared to engulf several stories of the 63-story Address Hotel in Dubai has injured at least 16 people as they sought safety amid New Year's celebrations.
I've just heard the news of The Address hotel fire in Dubai. I hope everyone is safe! #Dubai
According to the Dubai Media Office, authorities are at the hotel, located in downtown Dubai, and working to get the situation under control.
The office reported that the fire started outside on the 20th floor of the building, and that external fire extinguishers were employed to prevent an interior spread.
Four squads of firefighters were sent to the hotel to contain the fire, the media office tweeted. It has been 90% contained.
According to the office, in addition to the 14 people who suffered minor injuries, one person had a heart attack as a result of the fire. One additional person sustained a moderate injury.
14 minor injuries,1 moderate&1 heart attack case reported due 2 over-crowding&smoke at the fire site,all received prompts medical assistance
A civil defense minister appeared on Al Arabiya News to announce that no deaths had been recorded as a result of the fire.
The cause of the fire remains unclear. The hotel is located near the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper, and is a popular destination for New Year's fireworks.
OMG fire at the address downtown #Dubai! help!!! It's burning @MyDowntownDubai @gulf_news @7DAYSUAE @Emirates247
A spokesperson for The Address told BuzzFeed News all of their guests were provided with rooms at other hotels in Dubai after the fire.
"We are sincerely thankful to these hotels for their support and cooperation," the spokesperson said.
The hotel has set up a hotline number and email to keep guests informed.
"Our top priority is the well-being of our guests and colleagues," the spokesperson said. "We are working around-the-clock to ensure that."
New Year's Eve celebrations continued as planned.
The Burj Khalifa had been prepared with 1.6 tons of fireworks, organizers told the Associated Press.
#MyDubaiNewYear ... Burj Khalifa kicks breath-taking firework show
The Dubai Media Office tweeted that the successful fireworks display showed the country's "steadfast commitment to its major projects and initiatives."
Dubai's successful New Year's celebration is testimony to its steadfast commitment to its major projects and initiatives
Some people online thought that it might not have been the best idea to continue the display with the nearby hotel fire still burning.
Oops #DowntownDubai #MyDubaiNewYear
While other people online were still thrilled by the impressive New Year's celebration.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥Dubai fireworks 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️
This is a developing story, please check back for continued updates.