News reports said the fire destroyed a plant operated by Al Sharq Lubricant Co., along with nearby glass and paper factories. This is the second fire at a Sharjah lube facility in three months. An Aug. 17 fire destroyed a plant operated by Emirates Lube Oil Co., also known as Elco.

According to U.A.E. news group Gulf News, police reported that the Al Sharq fire began with the explosion of a tank containing 1,200 to 1,500 gallons of lubricant. Two workers died instantly and three others perished in the fire, which triggered additional explosions and which quickly engulfed the factories. Firefighters battled the flames for seven hours. News reports differed on the number of people injured, but some placed it as high as 11.

Damage estimates are still being tallied but are expected to amount to millions of dirhams.