Basheer, a 50-year-old Indian national from Kerala, was killed in a gas cylinder explosion in Ajman on Friday morning, August 31, 2026. Here are the key details of this tragic incident and the repatriation process:
- Basheer worked in the UAE for 25 years and was preparing meals for supermarket staff when a stove fire became uncontrollable.
- He died on the spot from severe head injuries, while a second employee was hospitalized.
- His body is held at the Ajman Police Mortuary, and repatriation to India is underway.
Basheer called the manager to assist when the stove fire became uncontrollable. An explosion occurred as they attempted to evacuate, throwing Basheer and another employee against a nearby wall. The incident has profoundly impacted his family, as Basheer's son, Shanifar, had only recently secured employment at the same company's Jebel Ali branch. Basheer's wife, Khairunnisa, had returned to India just one week prior to the accident, marking her first visit to the UAE during her husband's 25-year tenure abroad. Basheer is survived by his wife, Khairunnisa, and children Shanifar, Bushra, and Bushtana.
His body is currently held at the Ajman Police Mortuary, with repatriation to India pending the completion of legal formalities. According to the Consulate General of India in Dubai, assistance for death registration and repatriation is available via their 24x7 emergency mobile and WhatsApp number +971-50-7347676, or the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra toll-free number 800 46342. Under UAE Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 15(3), employers are responsible for the costs associated with preparing and transporting a deceased worker's remains to their home country if requested by the family. The Consulate advises against paying unauthorized agents, noting that assistance is available via the Indian Community Welfare Fund if employers or insurance do not cover costs. Repatriation typically requires documents including the death notification, original passport, authorization from next-of-kin, and airline cargo booking.
Safety experts recommend that in the event of suspected gas leaks, individuals should avoid electrical sparks, turn off gas supplies, increase ventilation, and evacuate the area immediately. Regular inspection of hoses and regulators in commercial kitchens is essential to prevent such tragedies.
