(UPDATED) The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates said an explosion occurred in a building near the Airport Road on Monday morning.

(UPDATED) The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates said an explosion occurred in a building near the Airport Road on Monday morning. The embassy said it is checking if any Filipinos were injured in the incident that occurred around 10 a.m. Local authorities have yet to reveal details about the incident. The embassy said it is monitoring developments and assured it will extend possible assistance to Filipinos who may have been affected. Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn Quintana said two embassy personnel went on site, while a staff member is coordinating with police. The embassy also said that based on initial information, there may be Filipinos working at the affected establishments, but they have yet to confirm this with local authorities. "The latest pronouncement from UAE authorities is that there are two victims who lost their lives – one was near the site of the incident, while the second was a passer-by who was hit by debris. No details yet were given as to their nationalities or identities," the embassy said in a statement. "The embassy joins the Filipino community in UAE in hoping that there would be no further fatalities and that others involved in the incident would have no serious injuries. The Embassy is on the alert and ready to extend assistance," it added. - with a report from Rachel Salinel, ABS-CBN News

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