A 27-year-old Indian national from Kerala lost his life and five others were injured following a devastating gas cylinder explosion at a car showroom along Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, according to a report by Gulf News.
The victim, Shijin Paul, hailed from Kottarakkara in Kerala’s Kollam district. He worked as a multimedia marketing specialist managing social media and videography for the showroom.
The Incident: Final Moments
According to Paul’s colleague and eyewitness, Abid, the tragedy unfolded rapidly:
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Initial Warning: Staff members and neighboring shop workers were alerted to a fire originating near an adjoining auto service facility.
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Attempted Extinguishment: Several people rushed to the scene with fire extinguishers to suppress the flames.
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The Blast: As workers attempted to douse the fire, a gas cylinder near a corner gate exploded, causing immediate panic and casualties.
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Fatal Injuries: Paul was caught in the blast and succumbed to his injuries while receiving emergency treatment at a local hospital.
Official Response & Family Plans
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Repatriation Efforts: The Indian Consulate in Dubai confirmed Paul’s death and stated it is coordinating with local authorities and his family to repatriate his mortal remains back to Kerala.
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Personal Life: Having joined the company in November, Paul was survived by his parents, wife, and child. Friends shared that he was actively planning his first visit home, where he intended to bring his wife and child back with him to live in Dubai.
Context: Safety Concerns for Overseas Workers
The tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding migrant workers in the region. According to Indian Ministry of External Affairs data:
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High Mortality Rate: Over 800 Indian nationals died in overseas workplace accidents between 2023 and 2025.
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Gulf Concentration: Roughly 55% of these fatalities occurred in Gulf countries, averaging nearly three Indian worker deaths per week in workplace accidents.
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Top Regions: Saudi Arabia recorded the highest number of workplace fatalities (182) during the three-year period, followed by the UAE with 128 deaths.
