Dubai: Two people were killed and several others injured in an explosion reportedly caused by a gas leak in a building in Karama here in the wee hours on Wednesday. The deceased have been identified as Malappuram native Yakoob Abdullah (42), an employee at Anam Al Madina Fruits in Bur Dubai and Thalassery native Nithin Das (24).

Nithin had come to Dubai on a visiting visa to look for a job. The explosion has left at least eight Malayalis injured and have been admitted to various hospitals in Dubai. Of them, two Kannur natives Shanil, and Naheeel suffered critical injuries and are admitted to Rashid Hospital. 

Social activist Nazeer Vadanappilly said that two others were also admitted to Rashid Hospital, while four were in NMC Hospital. 

The incident happened around 12:30 am in the building situated near the Day to Day department store in Al Karama. The explosion reportedly affected 17 persons in the apartment building and two others in a nearby apartment. 

Meanwhile, an investigation is underway into the incident.