RIYADH, 8 October — A small fire was reported at the Hyatt Regency Hotel here late last night. Munir Ahmad, general manager of the hotel, said the fire was caused by a misplaced electric iron.
He said one of the guests left a traveling iron plugged to the power socket and went to the adjoining room to meet a friend causing the bed rolls and mattresses in the room to catch fire.
Police and the fire brigade were called in and the 162 guests in the hotel were immediately evacuated, Ahmad told Arab News.
About one hour after the blaze started, the guests were checked back into the five-star hotel off the Old Airport Road.
All five-star hotels in Riyadh, especially Hyatt Regency, have intensified their security. Guests checking in have been told to unpack their luggage for security check. Vehicles entering the parking areas are also thoroughly checked.
