27-year-old Indian dies in cylinder explosion at car showroom in Dubai, was planning to bring wife to UAE
PTC News Desk: A 27-year-old Indian man from Kerala was killed in a gas cylinder explosion at a car showroom in Dubai earlier this week.
Five other people were also injured in the explosion that claimed the life of Kerala native Paul. According to his family, he died while undergoing treatment at a hospital. He is survived by his parents and wife.
The Indian Consulate in Dubai confirmed Paul's death and said it is coordinating with his family and local authorities to help bring his body back to India.
Moments before the explosion
Paul had joined the company in November. His colleague Abid, who witnessed the incident, told Gulf News that employees were first alerted about a fire before the explosion occurred.
"Some of us, including Shijin and I, stepped out of our showroom after colleagues informed us about the fire. People from nearby shops also came out after noticing the flames," Abid said.
He added that some people tried to control the fire using extinguishers before a gas cylinder exploded.
"I don't know exactly where the cylinder was, but the fire started near a gate at one corner of the showroom. There are auto service companies next to our showroom, and the fire appeared to begin near that area," he said.
"People were trying to put out the fire when the cylinder suddenly exploded. Everyone immediately ran for safety," Abid added.
Paul's former roommate, Nasir, said Paul had planned to bring his wife and child to Dubai after returning from his first vacation to India.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of Indian workers in Gulf countries. According to data from India's Ministry of External Affairs, more than 800 Indian nationals died in workplace accidents abroad between 2023 and 2025. Around 55 per cent of these deaths occurred in Gulf nations.
Saudi Arabia recorded the highest number of workplace deaths involving Indian nationals during the three-year period, with 182 fatalities, followed by the UAE with 128 deaths.
- With inputs from agencies
