Fireworks labelled toys to beat ban

Dubai Police said the fireworks that caused the two recent explosions in which nine people died were labelled as toys to fool the authorities.

In a press conference yesterday, Major General Sharafuddin Al Sayed Sharaf, Assistant Dubai Police Chief for Criminal Investigation, stressed that tough measures should be taken to stop such goods from entering the country. He added that in the insurance policy too the products were listed as toys.

Three people have been charged with manslaughter, criminal negligence, and endangering lives. They have been referred to the Public Prosecution.

The products, which comprised firecrackers and caps used as ammunition in toy guns, caused a massive explosion and fire in Al Quoz on Thursday. Eight people died, 10 others were injured. It also destroyed three warehouses and caused extensive damage to the adjourning buildings.