*sasha ITALIA*
18-01-2007, 21:23
Workers killed in Dubai blaze
2007 | United Arab Emirates
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6451:workers-trapped-in-dubai-blaze&Itemid=1
At least four construction workers have been killed and 39 injured in a fire at an construction site in Dubai.
Dozens were left trapped after the blaze took hold at around 12.30 UAE time today.
Workers at the scene interviewed by ArabianBusiness.com say that as many as five people died in the flames, which they say was caused by electrical failure. Another eyewitness reportedly saw a worker falll from the building, which is currently under construction. These reports are unconfirmed.
At least four construction workers have been killed and 39 injured in a fire at an construction site in Dubai.
Dozens were left trapped after the blaze took hold at around 12.30 UAE time today.
Workers at the scene interviewed by ArabianBusiness.com say that as many as five people died in the flames, which they say was caused by electrical failure. Another eyewitness reportedly saw a worker falll from the building, which is currently under construction. These reports are unconfirmed.
Story continues below ↓
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Reuters earlier reported that "at least 25 people" were injured in blaze, quoting hospital officials and witnesses.
Fire rescue crews, police and ambulances arrived "quickly". Associated Press has reported that a helicopter at the scene failed in its attempts to land on the roof.
The fire was at the Fortune Tower building, which is part of the Jumeirah Lake Towers development adjacent to Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road between interchange 5 and 6 opposite Dubai Marina.
Associated Press report that black smoke was seen billowing from the upper floors of the building, located in a cluster of two dozen residential buildings under construction, each more than 30 stories high.
"Several dozen workers could be seen on the upper, unfinished floors of the building, trapped by the flames, some waving what appeared to be towels and holding on to the scaffolding. A man was seen scrambling to climb down the building from its outer side while others appeared to be trying to climb to the roof," reported AP.
"Ambulances and fire trucks had raced to the scene and firefighters were putting out the blaze as hundreds of workers and onlookers watched the drama from the street below. A helicopter was hovering over the building, trying to land on the roof but not succeeding."
A witness who arrived at the scene at approximately 4pm told ArabianBuisness.com that "it was very calm" on his arrival. However, he added, "we spoke to construction workers and they said that the fire itself was very dramatic, like something from a Hollywood movie. They said that the fire services came very quickly, and that the fire was put out."
The fire is likely to prompt renewed concern about health and safety measures at UAE construction sites.
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) is a "free zone" development of 79 towers on a "rapidly emerging" 200-hectare site. The blaze was at a tower being developed by a private developer, the Fortune Group.
A spokesperson for the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCCA), the master developer of the JLT site, issued at statement just after 6pm this evening:
"The building, which is under construction, is not inhabited by any residents. The extent of the injuries and casualties is not yet known. We can confirm that the local fire and civil defence services responded immediately and have taken control of the site. All possible measures to safeguard the well-being of those inside the building, including on-site construction staff are being taken."
"We extend our sincere sympathies to all those affected by this tragic event, and DMCCA pledges its full support to official investigations into the cause of the fire."
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2007 | United Arab Emirates
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6451:workers-trapped-in-dubai-blaze&Itemid=1
At least four construction workers have been killed and 39 injured in a fire at an construction site in Dubai.
Dozens were left trapped after the blaze took hold at around 12.30 UAE time today.
Workers at the scene interviewed by ArabianBusiness.com say that as many as five people died in the flames, which they say was caused by electrical failure. Another eyewitness reportedly saw a worker falll from the building, which is currently under construction. These reports are unconfirmed.
At least four construction workers have been killed and 39 injured in a fire at an construction site in Dubai.
Dozens were left trapped after the blaze took hold at around 12.30 UAE time today.
Workers at the scene interviewed by ArabianBusiness.com say that as many as five people died in the flames, which they say was caused by electrical failure. Another eyewitness reportedly saw a worker falll from the building, which is currently under construction. These reports are unconfirmed.
Story continues below ↓
advertisement
Reuters earlier reported that "at least 25 people" were injured in blaze, quoting hospital officials and witnesses.
Fire rescue crews, police and ambulances arrived "quickly". Associated Press has reported that a helicopter at the scene failed in its attempts to land on the roof.
The fire was at the Fortune Tower building, which is part of the Jumeirah Lake Towers development adjacent to Dubai's Sheikh Zayed Road between interchange 5 and 6 opposite Dubai Marina.
Associated Press report that black smoke was seen billowing from the upper floors of the building, located in a cluster of two dozen residential buildings under construction, each more than 30 stories high.
"Several dozen workers could be seen on the upper, unfinished floors of the building, trapped by the flames, some waving what appeared to be towels and holding on to the scaffolding. A man was seen scrambling to climb down the building from its outer side while others appeared to be trying to climb to the roof," reported AP.
"Ambulances and fire trucks had raced to the scene and firefighters were putting out the blaze as hundreds of workers and onlookers watched the drama from the street below. A helicopter was hovering over the building, trying to land on the roof but not succeeding."
A witness who arrived at the scene at approximately 4pm told ArabianBuisness.com that "it was very calm" on his arrival. However, he added, "we spoke to construction workers and they said that the fire itself was very dramatic, like something from a Hollywood movie. They said that the fire services came very quickly, and that the fire was put out."
The fire is likely to prompt renewed concern about health and safety measures at UAE construction sites.
Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) is a "free zone" development of 79 towers on a "rapidly emerging" 200-hectare site. The blaze was at a tower being developed by a private developer, the Fortune Group.
A spokesperson for the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCCA), the master developer of the JLT site, issued at statement just after 6pm this evening:
"The building, which is under construction, is not inhabited by any residents. The extent of the injuries and casualties is not yet known. We can confirm that the local fire and civil defence services responded immediately and have taken control of the site. All possible measures to safeguard the well-being of those inside the building, including on-site construction staff are being taken."
"We extend our sincere sympathies to all those affected by this tragic event, and DMCCA pledges its full support to official investigations into the cause of the fire."
http://www.gulfnews.com/images/07/01/18/18_nt_fire13_4.jpg
http://www.gulfnews.com/images/07/01/18/18_nt_fire14_4.jpg
http://www.gulfnews.com/images/07/01/18/18_nt_fire02_4.jpg
http://www.gulfnews.com/images/07/01/18/18_nt_fire7_4.jpg
http://www.gulfnews.com/images/07/01/18/18_nt_fire5_4.jpg
http://www.gulfnews.com/images/07/01/18/18_nt_fire04_4.jpg
http://www.gulfnews.com/images/07/01/18/18_nt_fire6_4.jpg
http://www.gulfnews.com/images/07/01/18/18_nt_fire8_4.jpg
http://www.gulfnews.com/images/07/01/18/18_nt_fire9_4.jpg
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