Dubai police say Address hotel fire caused by electrical circuit

A fire that swept through the Dubai-based Address hotel on New Year’s Eve last month was caused by a short circuit, local police said in a statement Wednesday.

The blaze was ignited by cables of a spotlight on the ledge between the 14th and 15th floors of the 63-story building, which is owned by Dubai-listed Emaar Properties.

Police said their forensics and mechanical engineering departments investigated the incident over the last few weeks.

At least 15 people were injured in the fire, and one person suffered a heart attack during the evacuation process.

Earlier this month, Emaar, a leading property developer in the United Arab Emirates, said the incident will not have material impact on the company since the building is fully insured.

The company said it hired Dutco Group, a local contractor, to clear and restore the property at the earliest date possible.