Dubai Marina high-rise evacuated after car park roof collapse

Dorra Bay Tower residents were taken to nearby hotels as an investigation began

Dorra Bay Tower in Dubai Marina on the JBR side where a car park roof collapsed on Wednesday night. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dorra Bay Tower in Dubai Marina on the JBR side where a car park roof collapsed on Wednesday night. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dorra Bay Tower in Dubai Marina on the JBR side where a car park roof collapsed on Wednesday night. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dorra Bay Tower in Dubai Marina on the JBR side where a car park roof collapsed on Wednesday night. Antonie Robertson / The National

A Dubai Marina tower was evacuated in the early hours of Wednesday after its car park roof collapsed.

Police and Civil Defence were called to Dorra Bay Tower at about 1am when the car park floor caved in.

Neighbours described a loud boom and shaking in the 21-storey building.

Workmen were at the scene on Thursday to assess the damage. It appears the street-level surface caved in and exposed the sub-level parking below.

A security guard said there were no vehicles in the affected area. No injuries were reported.

One tenant said they were told a water pipe had burst and flooded the basement, causing a foundation wall to crumble. Officials did not confirm that and have not yet released details.

Residents were taken to nearby hotels for two nights while an investigation, structural work and repairs get under way. Some tenants currently overseas learnt about the incident on social media.

The building management will cover the costs of a two-day stay during the work, it was reported.

How Dubai Marina was built: in pictures

Construction started on Dubai Marina in 2000, and by 2006 the skyline was taking shape. Work on the The Walk and Jumeirah Beach Residence came later. AFP

Skyscrapers and cranes dot the landscape at the Dubai Marina site in 2006. Getty Images

The Dubai Marina project was launched at a special ceremony on October 17, 2000. AFP

By 2007, construction was advanced on Dubai Marina Mall. Getty Images

Construction workers pause for a break at Dubai Marina in 2008.

By 2009, Dubai Marina metro station was in the final stages of construction. Ana Bianca Marin for The National

Dubai Marina pictured in 2011. The distinctive twisting facade of the Cayan Tower can be seen being assembled towards the right. Amy Leang / The National

A huge depiction of the Elite Residence super-tall skyscraper hangs from a Dubai Marina construction site in 2011. Amy Leang / The National

The finishing touches being put to Princess Tower in 2012. Amy Leang / The National

Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence. Leslie Pableo for The National