Two Malayalis were killed and at eight others were injured when a gas cylinder exploded at an apartment at Karama in Dubai. The deceased is Malappuram native Yakub Abdullah.

The injured are being treated at different hospitals in Bur Dubai. The condition of two Kannur natives - Shanil and Nahil - is reportedly critical. Abdullah worked at Al Madeena fruit shop in Karama. He was staying with fellow Malayalis in an apartment, sources said.

On Thursday, Kannur natie Nidhin Das also succumbed to injuries. 

The accident took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Bin Haider building near the Day Today Shopping Centre in Karama. Seventeen people were in the building. Though people tried to escape, fire erupted quickly leaving several of them injured.

According to reports, five of the injured were admitted to Rashid Hospital and three to NMC Hospital. Police have started a probe into the accident, sources said.