Caught on video: Dubai ship fire causes blast, shook buildings

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Authorities in Dubai said a fiery explosion erupted on a container ship anchored at one of the world’s largest ports, sending tremors across the commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates.

The blaze sent up giant orange flames on a vessel late Wednesday at the crucial Jebel Ali Port, which is the busiest in the Middle East.

The combustion unleashed a shock wave through the skyscraper-studded city of Dubai, causing walls and windows to shake in neighborhoods as far as 25 kilometers (15 miles) away from the port.

There were no immediate reports of casualties, and the extent of damage caused to the sprawling port and surrounding cargo was not immediately clear.

Dubai’s civil defense teams say they brought the fire under control early Thursday, about 2 1/2 hours after the blast.

People in Dubai recording with their phones from their high-rises posted frantic videos on social media showing a fiery ball illuminating the night sky.

BREAKING: Large explosion at the Port of Jebel Ali in Dubai, cause unknown pic.twitter.com/8ErwMUxgPS

— BNO News (@BNONews) July 7, 2021

Aftermath of explosion at Jebel Ali port this evening. #UAE pic.twitter.com/QojeIKyRBq

— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) July 7, 2021

الحريق تحت السيطرة ولا توجد أي وفيات أو إصابات جراء الحادث في ميناء جبل علي pic.twitter.com/cQAVRDSa5c

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 7, 2021