Agencies
AL-KHOBAR — Saudi authorities said Monday that three Canadians, one Pakistani and a Nigerian woman were among 10 people killed in a fire at a residential complex rented by Saudi Aramco.
The Civil Defense revised down from 11 the death toll for Sunday’s blaze at the complex in the Eastern Province. It said 259 people were wounded, but that 179 of those have been discharged.
The five others who died in the blaze were yet to be identified. The Civil Defense said the fire was ignited by an electric short circuit in the underground parking where 130 cars were parked. It said that 35 vehicles were completely destroyed by the fire.
Saudi Aramco says it employs more than 61,000 workers worldwide from 77 countries. Saudi Aramco Acting President & CEO Amin H. Nasser said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the fatalities and injuries which resulted from the fire.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.” “Our immediate priority is to provide full support to those affected by this tragic incident.
Saudi Aramco is fully committed to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees and their families,” he said. The Civil Defense and Saudi Aramco rescue teams have completed clearing compound buildings and floors and evacuated all their occupants. Evacuated residents have been relocated to Saudi Aramco and other residential facilities.
