/ 8 November 2007

Dubai bridge collapse kills at least seven

Seven people were killed and about 15 others injured when a Dubai bridge collapsed in a luxury area of the Gulf Arab emirate of Dubai on Thursday, the police said.

“According to initial reports, seven are dead and about 15 are injured,” said deputy police chief Jamal al-Marri.

The collapse appeared to be the result of a construction problem, he said by telephone. “Engineers are at the site and are inspecting the situation.”

Residents said the bridge was under construction.

Ambulances and helicopters were rushing to the area located near luxury hotels in the Dubai Marina, which was closed off by police, a witness said.

Two workers were killed and about 60 injured in January when a fire broke out in a tower block under construction in Dubai, the trading hub of the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai, one of fastest-growing cities in the world, is home to the world’s tallest building and building the world’s largest theme park.