A huge fire gutted a commercial building on a busy street in Jubail’s downtown area on Wednesday.

The area, which is crowded with workers and various shops for electronic and electric devices, in addition to textile shops lining both sides of the street, was a scene of panic among shoppers and drivers alike.

People heard explosions and witnessed the building collapse before their eyes on Jeddah Street, considered the most important in the city.

“The fire originated in a restaurant and then spread to a watch shop and an electronics store spanning 300 sqm,” said Col. Mansour Al-Dosari, Eastern Province Civil Defense media spokesman.

“There were no injuries, but investigations are still underway ascertain the cause of the fire and estimate the huge financial loses incurred.” “The fire consumed the restaurant, the watch shop and partially consumed the electronics store,” said Al-Dosari. “Firefighting, rescue teams and a back-up firefighting team from the port took part in putting out the blaze.”

Many of Jubail’s residents have since questioned fire and safety measures on a key street, especially since these shops are built out of sheet metal and wood. In addition, many of these shops contain waste at the back, increasing fire hazards.