Kerala Native Shijin Paul Dies in Dubai Car Showroom Explosion

A 27-year-old Indian man from Kerala died after suffering injuries in a gas-cylinder explosion at a car showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Shijin Paul, a resident of Kottarakkara in Kerala’s Kollam district, worked at the showroom as a multimedia marketing specialist responsible for social media content and videography.

Five other people were reportedly injured in the explosion, which occurred after a fire broke out near the showroom earlier this week. Paul’s family said he was taken to hospital but died while undergoing treatment. The Indian Consulate in Dubai confirmed his death and said it was coordinating with his relatives and local authorities to repatriate his remains to India.

Paul had joined the company in November. His colleague Abid, who witnessed the incident, said employees were alerted to a fire on the premises before the explosion. Several people from the showroom and neighbouring businesses reportedly gathered outside after noticing the flames, while some attempted to control the fire using portable extinguishers.

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According to Abid, the fire appeared to have started near a gate in one corner of the showroom, close to neighbouring automobile service businesses. He said he did not know the exact location of the cylinder. The explosion occurred while people were attempting to extinguish the flames, forcing those in the area to run for safety.

Abid said he had been standing near Paul but realised only later, amid the confusion, that his colleague had been caught in the blast. He remembered Paul as a dependable member of their small team. Paul’s former roommate, Nasir, said he had been planning to bring his wife and child to Dubai after travelling home for his first vacation.

The incident has renewed attention on the safety of Indian workers in Gulf countries. Indian government data showed that more than 800 nationals died in workplace accidents overseas between 2023 and 2025, with approximately 55% of those deaths occurring in Gulf nations. Saudi Arabia recorded 182 fatalities during the period, while the United Arab Emirates reported 128.

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