Power cable blast in Dubai's Al Safa area startles people, leaves small crater on pavement

Dubai: An overload caused a minor explosion of power cables outside the Gulf News office in the Al Safa area of Dubai Thursday morning.

The blast left a small crater on the pavement and debris scattered around.

Though no injuries were reported, passers-by were shocked by the loud noise and flares.

This is the second blast at the spot withint seven days with black marks from the previous explosion on the adjacent compound wall still visible.

There were several eyewitnesses and one of them, who missed the blast by a whisker, was clearly not amused.

"I was walking across the road just a few metres from the spot when suddenly I heard an explosion and I turned around to see bricks and sand scattered around. If I was a few seconds late it would have hit me. This is very dangerous and Dewa [Dubai Electricity and Water Authority] should address this," said the eyewitness who did not wish to be named.

Dewa officials were not available for comment, however, an engineer overseeing the repairs at the site said the explosion took place because of overloading.

"When there is overloading the joints in the cables snap due to overheating and it is common during summer days. There are too many joints around this area and that is why it is happening too often," said the engineer on condition of anonymity.

The engineer admitted that it is dangerous for passers-by as the cables carry 11,000 volts and exposure to its flares can cause life-threatening burns.

Asked if there is any permanent solution to the problem, he said that the planning department has to re-lay the cables with fewer joints. He said that the repairs were to be finished in a couple of hours.