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An aerial view of the Jebel Ali port. Port authorities said safety was of utmost importance, and emergency response and safety teams responded with 5 minutes of the accident. Image Credit: Gulf News archives

Dubai: Ten people were injured when a container vessel hit the harbour wall and then hit a crane on May 4 at Jebel Ali Port, Terminal 1, DP World said on Monday. There were no fatalities in the incident.

“DP World confirms that an incident occurred on Thursday, 4 May at Jebel Ali Port, Terminal 1. While berthing, a CMA CGM container vessel collided with the harbour wall striking the leg of a quay crane causing it to fall.  A second crane was also shifted off its rails during the incident but remained upright and stable,” according to an official statement.

“The incident resulted in one moderate and nine minor injuries, but thankfully no fatalities. Medical treatment for all minor injuries was received at the DP World Medical Clinic at the terminal, while the gentleman with the moderate injury, a fractured arm and leg, was taken to hospital and is currently in a stable condition,” the statement said.

The authorities have launched an investigation to establish the exact cause of the incident.

“An investigation is currently underway to establish the cause of the incident.  The collapsed quay crane will be removed following all necessary safety procedures once the investigation has been completed.  The second crane is under assessment for structural integrity and not in use until further notice,” the statement said.

“Our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees and all visitors to the port.  DP World’s terminal safety teams responded immediately to the incident and head office global safety teams joined them on site within five minutes.  Working with external emergency response teams, the area was evacuated and an exclusion zone created.  Safety drones were also deployed to survey the area, locate anyone in need of medical assistance and to ensure the safety of the responding crews,” it said.

 Steps were taken to minimise disruption of service to customers during the emergency response activation and in the subsequent investigation phase.