Dubai explosion death toll hits 8

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DEADLY BLAST: This screen grap from CNN's website shows the blast as it happened. Eight people have now died in the explosion.

The death toll from the explosion at the Al Quoz industrial area of Dubai rose to eight on Friday as the charred remains of five more people were recovered from the scene.

The massive explosion early Wednesday morning at an illegal fireworks warehouse sparked a huge fire that engulfed dozens of buildings in the area and sent thick black smoke stretching for miles across the city.

Two people close to the warehouse died and several were injured by flying debris from the explosion, which was so powerful it could be felt up to six kilometres away.

However, Police said at the time the death toll was likely to rise further once the fire had been put out and emergency services were able to go in and search for bodies.

The fire was finally extinguished at 8:00 pm on Wednesday, 13 hours after it began.

The first charred remains was pulled from the scene on Thursday, according to UAE daily Khaleej Times, followed by five more on Friday.

Emergency services on Friday also found scattered remains of human body parts, which have been sent for forensic tests to determine whether they came from one or more people, reported UAE daily Gulf News.

There are fears of yet more fatalities with two people still reported missing.

Dubai Municipality is currently working to remove debris from the area, after which police will begin examining the scene.

Police have already arrested the owner of the illegal fireworks warehouse, according to state news agency Wam, adding that he was to be referred to the public prosecution on Thursday.

Police have promised a major crackdown on the illegal storage of fireworks following the incident.

Massive explosion rocks Dubai
UPDATE 5: Explosion at illegal fireworks factory, up to 20 buildings ablaze, at least two dead.

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