At least two persons were killed and several injured today as a massive explosion ripped through a firecracker warehouse, sparking a major fire at an industrial complex here. Fire crews were battling raging fires that engulfed the surrounding warehouses in the Al Quoz industrial area, Dubai Police said.

A large black cloud of smoke could be seen billowing into the air following what witnesses say was a large explosion which shook windows in the surrounding area.

Civil defence staff and rescue teams rushed to the scene. All routes towards the industrial area have been closed off. At least two persons were killed but the toll is expected to rise. The exact number of casualties is not yet clear. It is unclear what has caused the fire.