A 27-year-old Indian expatriate from Kerala died after he was critically injured when a gas cylinder explosion hit him in a car showroom in Dubai.
The victim, Shijin Paul, was from Pattazhy in Kottarakkara in Kollam district and arrived in UAE around 8 months ago in search of work-related opportunities.
Shijin was working as a videographer and multimedia marketing professional at The Car Super Store, where the tragic accident took place on August 3.
A gas cylinder exploded inside the showroom, causing panic among employees and resulting in several injuries, the report said.
Emergency response teams firefighters and medical personnel rushed to the scene immediately after the blast. The injured were treated immediately and first aid was given to the injured; rescue workers came out and the fire was contained in less than an hour; the area was secured to prevent further danger.
Shijin suffered serious injuries when the explosion took place and was rushed to a hospital for treatment. Doctors tried but he died later.
The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation and Dubai authorities will investigate whether all workplace safety measures and regulations were followed.
Equipment and circumstances of the incident will be examined and a report will be released, it is expected.
The Indian Consulate in Dubai confirmed Shijin Paul’s death and said it is working closely with his family and local authorities to complete the legal formalities required for repatriating his mortal remains to India.
Such a tragedy has shocked Malayali people in the UAE since thousands of expatriates from Kerala are employed in various sectors of the country.
Shijin's family, friends, and Indian community members have expressed their condolences to the family as he was a very dedicated young professional who had just started building his career in Dubai.
Workplace accidents involving gas cylinders are a case in point for safety standards in the space of business that burns flammable materials. Safety professionals stress that regular equipment inspections, employee training, and fire safety requirements are required at all times to prevent such incidents.
The explosion will be investigated for the cause and the circumstances surrounding it.
Shijin Paul’s untimely death is a tragic reminder of the dangers expatriate workers face and has left his family and loved ones mourning the loss of a young life cut short far from home.
