Seven people were killed and about 15 others injured when a Dubai bridge collapsed in a luxury area of the emirate, the police said.

'According to initial reports, seven are dead and about 15 are injured,' said deputy police chief Jamal al-Marri.

The collapse appeared to be the result of a construction problem, he told Reuters by telephone. 'Engineers are at the sight and are inspecting the situation.'    

Residents said the bridge was under construction. Some reports said about 40 workers were on the bridge when it collapsed.

Ambulances and helicopters were rushing to the area located near luxury hotels in the Dubai Marina, which was closed off by police, a Reuters witness said.

Two workers were killed and about 60 injured in January when a fire broke out in a tower block under construction in Dubai, the trading hub of the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai, one of fastest-growing cities in the world, is home to the world's tallest building and building the world's largest theme park. - Reuters