Aquarium springs big leak in Dubai
Source: Agencies |
February 26, 2010, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THE Middle East's biggest shopping mall was partially evacuated yesterday as maintenance crews scrambled to contain a leak that amateur video showed spilling water out of the shark-filled aquarium in Dubai.
The footage posted on the Website of Dubai newspaper Gulf News showed the water from the 2.6 million gallon tank showering down on the mall's polished floors.
Visitors were kept far from the scene shortly after the water began pouring from behind the 0.75 meter thick viewing panel, making it difficult to gauge the extent of the damage. From a distance, most of the water and fish appeared to be contained inside the tank.
"There has been a small break in the glass," an official at Dubai's civil defense department said, speaking on condition of anonymity as the operation was ongoing.
Emaar Properties, the mall's developer, confirmed the aquarium breach.
"A leakage was noticed at one of the panel joints of the Dubai Aquarium at The Dubai Mall and was immediately fixed by the aquarium's maintenance team," the company said. "The leakage did not impact the aquarium environment or the safety of the aquatic animals."
The incident raises fresh questions about building safety in the city-state. Less than three weeks ago, Emaar cut off public access to its record-breaking skyscraper Burj Khalifa after an elevator got stuck near the 124th-floor observation deck.
The company added that it "upholds the highest safety standards in its management." It did not make anyone available to comment further.
Much of the area around the aquarium was evacuated and has been cordoned off.
The footage posted on the Website of Dubai newspaper Gulf News showed the water from the 2.6 million gallon tank showering down on the mall's polished floors.
Visitors were kept far from the scene shortly after the water began pouring from behind the 0.75 meter thick viewing panel, making it difficult to gauge the extent of the damage. From a distance, most of the water and fish appeared to be contained inside the tank.
"There has been a small break in the glass," an official at Dubai's civil defense department said, speaking on condition of anonymity as the operation was ongoing.
Emaar Properties, the mall's developer, confirmed the aquarium breach.
"A leakage was noticed at one of the panel joints of the Dubai Aquarium at The Dubai Mall and was immediately fixed by the aquarium's maintenance team," the company said. "The leakage did not impact the aquarium environment or the safety of the aquatic animals."
The incident raises fresh questions about building safety in the city-state. Less than three weeks ago, Emaar cut off public access to its record-breaking skyscraper Burj Khalifa after an elevator got stuck near the 124th-floor observation deck.
The company added that it "upholds the highest safety standards in its management." It did not make anyone available to comment further.
Much of the area around the aquarium was evacuated and has been cordoned off.
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