November 4, 2026
AL DHAID — Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation following the collapse of part of a building under construction in Al Dhaid, an incident that left one engineer dead and two others injured. According to preliminary reports, the roof structure failed after supporting beams were allegedly spaced too far apart and were not properly installed. The collapse trapped three engineers who were overseeing the installation work at the site.
A source close to the project told Emirate Daily 24/7 News that one of the building’s main pillars may have played a critical role in the structural failure. Investigators are expected to examine the building’s design, materials, construction methods and supervision as they work to establish the exact cause of the collapse.
Engineer Barry Meyer, a veteran contractor with decades of experience in both commercial and residential construction, was overseeing the project. Meyer was brought in by Sheik Abid, the project’s patron, to oversee the development and has reportedly served as a trusted adviser on several of the Sheik’s major construction projects. However, sources familiar with the project suggested that the relationship between the two men may now be under strain following the disaster.
The source further revealed that Sheik Abid was deeply disappointed by the incident and had instructed Police Chief Commissioner Akeem to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the collapse are thoroughly investigated. Commissioner Akeem told Emirate Daily 24/7 News that accountability would follow if negligence is established.
“The site supervisor, Mr Barry Meyer, will be held liable if this tragedy resulted from negligence. Safety rules exist for a reason, and it is the responsibility of both workers and engineers to ensure that every structure can withstand the load it is designed for.”
Medical officials later confirmed the casualties. Dr. Waheed Salim, Medical Director of New Dera Medical Center, said during a live interview that two of the injured engineers were in stable condition. Tragically, Lawrence Smith, one of the engineers involved in the incident, was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
Authorities have since cordoned off the construction site while investigators examine the wreckage and gather evidence. Questions are now mounting over whether inadequate supervision, structural defects, improper installation, or possible design flaws contributed to the collapse. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to determine responsibility once all technical and forensic assessments are complete.
