Two Killed, 120 Wounded In Abu Dhabi Gas Explosion

According to initial reports from police, 64 persons had minor injuries, 56 others were moderately injured, and two people died.

The explosion on Monday started a fire that destroyed the exterior of six buildings and a number of businesses before being put out.

Four of the damaged buildings were safely evacuated, and police said they were working to find temporary housing for their tenants until the buildings are totally secured.

First responders ministering to a victim on a gurney, with debris and shattered glass strewn over the street, according to photos published by Abu Dhabi police.

Around midday, an explosion blasted through a restaurant in Abu Dhabi's Khalidiya area, just a few blocks from the capital's beachside corniche. A witness informed The National newspaper that he heard two explosions.

"The first sound was small and people started calling the fire and police," said the man, who was not identified.

"Then soon, there was a big blast. It was a really big sound. The windows shook and in some offices, the windows shattered."

Since a Yemen rebel drone and missile attack murdered three oil employees in Abu Dhabi on January 17, the UAE has been on high alert

Authorities have foiled three other attempts since then, including one claimed by a little-known militant group with ties to pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq.

The United Arab Emirates is a member of a Saudi-led military coalition fighting in Yemen since 2015 to defend the government against Iran-backed Huthi rebels who hold the capital, Sanaa.