Dubai gas blast victim had planned to bring wife to UAE after marrying her in 2025 following eight-year courtship.
Dubai: A day after a gas cylinder explosion at a car showroom off Sheikh Zayed Road claimed the life of Indian expatriate Shijin Paul, a colleague who witnessed the incident recalled the chaotic moments leading up to the tragedy.
As reported by Gulf News on Tuesday, the Indian Consulate in Dubai confirmed the death of the Indian national and said it was in contact with his family and local authorities to assist with the necessary formalities.
The victim, Shijin Paul, 27, from Kottarakkara in Kerala’s Kollam district, worked as a multimedia marketing specialist at the showroom, where he was responsible for social media and videography, according to his colleague Abid, a photographer who worked alongside him.
Abid, who spoke to Gulf News on Tuesday night, was still shaken by the incident. He said colleagues were first alerted to a fire at the premises before the explosion occurred.
“Some of us, including Shijin and me, stepped out of the showroom after colleagues alerted us about a fire,” Abid said.
“There were people from several nearby shops as well, not just our showroom. Many people came running after seeing the fire.”
Abid said he was standing close to Shijin when they reached the area. “I was just behind him, maybe around three metres away. I don’t know exactly where the cylinder was located. There is a gate at one corner of the showroom, and the fire started somewhere there. There are also some auto service companies next to our showroom, and the fire was near their location.”
Blast during rescue efforts
According to Abid, people who gathered at the scene tried to contain the flames before the explosion occurred. “People were trying to put out the fire using fire extinguishers. The explosion happened while efforts were still underway to douse the flames. Everyone ran away,” he said.
In the confusion that followed, Abid said he did not immediately realise that Shijin had been caught in the blast. “I don’t know who all were hit. I came to know about his death later,” he said.
Shijin had joined the company only in November and was known for creating reels and promotional videos for the business.
Remembering his colleague, Abid, who had been working at the showroom for only three months, described Shijin as a dependable member of their small team.
“He was very active and was good at coordinating all the work,” he recalled.
A month as roommates
Shijin’s former roommate, Nisar, a salesman in Dubai, told Gulf News that Shijin had lived with him and four others for a month before moving to different accommodation just days before the tragedy.
“He stayed with us for a month last month. His relative had gone on leave, and when he returned, Shijin moved to his place. We live in Jumeirah, and he found it difficult to commute to work from our area. During this scorching summer, it was hard for him to take two buses to reach the showroom. Just a few days ago, he moved out,” Nisar said.
Planned to bring wife to UAE
Nisar said Shijin had been looking forward to reuniting with his wife, whom he married in 2025. According to social media posts shared by Shijin, the couple had married after an eight-year courtship.
“He was extremely attached to his wife. He planned to bring her here when he went on his first vacation,” Nisar recalled.
He added that the couple had recently suffered a personal loss.
“Just a week ago, they lost their pet dog. His wife was apparently devastated after that. He told us he had tried to console her, but she could not come to terms with it. I cannot imagine how someone like her can bear this tragedy,” Nisar said.
Group still in shock
Nisar said the short time he and his roommates spent with Shijin had left a lasting impression.
“We had become close within that one month. We are five roommates, and we are discussing only him in our WhatsApp group,” he said.
He recalled the moment the news reached the group.
“One of our roommates had even called Shijin earlier today without knowing he was no more. He had called just for a casual chat, but there was no answer. Another roommate, who has gone home on vacation, sent us a news clip asking, ‘Isn’t it our Shijin?’ We were shocked to see that, and we are still in a state of disbelief,” Nisar said.
Family awaits repatriation
Ajmal, who has been accompanying Shijin’s relative in Dubai during the ordeal, said the family was waiting for the completion of formalities to repatriate his mortal remains.
“I accompanied his relative everywhere. He is deeply disturbed. They were very close relatives. My friend had only just returned after his vacation, and then this happened,” he said.
