Body found at vegetable market

Dubai // A dead body was found today in a container loaded with onions at the vegetable and fruit market in Al Awir, police said.

A 55-year-old man from India is believed to have suffocated while sleeping inside the container. His body was found at about 7am.

Police believe the man had been loading the 40-foot container last night, but stopped before it was full.

"He did not complete the work so he decided to sleep in the container rather than go home as he lives in Hor Al Anz, which is far away, so he could resume his work early morning," said Lt Col Ahmed Al Merri, the head of the investigation division at Dubai Police.

Police believe the man suffocated due to the carbon dioxide produced by the onions.

"There is nothing that suggests foul play so far," said Lt Col Al Merri, who added that the man's blue lips suggested suffocation.

Officers are awaiting forensic tests.

wissa@thenational.ae