Fire breaks out at Expo 2020 Dubai site

Fire crews quickly contained the blaze on Monday morning

Fire crews extinguished a fire at the Expo 2020 site that broke out on May 11. Courtesy: Expo 2020

A fire broke out during construction work at the Expo 2020 Dubai site.

Plumes of black smoke could be seen billowing into the skies around the vast area on Monday morning.

Fire crews from Dubai Civil Defence were dispatched to the scene and quickly brought the blaze under control.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

An Expo 2020 spokesman said the fire was sparked after an accident during welding work at a debris-laden part of the site.

"A fire broke out earlier this morning on one location in Expo 2020 site. Emergency services promptly arrived to the scene.

"The fire has been contained and Dubai Civil Defence has brought it under control quickly. We understand that the fire has been caused by a problem during welding works. Nobody has been hurt," said an Expo 2020 spokesman.

Gen Abdullah Al Marri, chief of Dubai Police, praised the swift response of emergency services after visiting the scene on Monday.

It was announced earlier this month that Expo 2020 Dubai would be postponed by one year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The world fair's governing body approved plans for the emirate to host the event from October 1, 2021, until March 31, 2022, with the occasion to retain its Expo 2020 title.

The decision was confirmed after two thirds of Bureau International des Expositions member states voted in favour of the delay in light of the challenges posed to the international community by the Covid-19 outbreak.