Indians among 14 killed in UAE accident; consulate in touch with families
Three victims from Kerala belonged to the same family, according to CM Satheesan. India's Dubai consulate is coordinating with UAE authorities to assist bereaved families
At least 14 people, including Indians, were killed and 30 others injured after a truck lost control and collided with several vehicles on the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street in Fujairah in the UAE.
The accident also sparked a fire that gutted several vehicles on the stretch of the road, the UAE Ministry of Interior said.
“The General Command of Fujairah Police has revealed details of the serious traffic accident that occurred before midnight on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, at the entrance to the Emirate of Fujairah, leaving 14 people dead and 30 others injured to varying degrees,” the ministry said.
What the Indian Consulate said
The Consulate General of India in Dubai has contacted the families of Indian nationals killed in the Fujairah accident and is coordinating with UAE authorities to arrange assistance.
In a post on X on Thursday, the mission expressed grief over the deaths of Indian nationals and said it was in touch with the bereaved families. It added that further details were being confirmed.
"Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Fujairah that claimed the lives of several people, including Indian nationals. The Consulate has reached out to the bereaved families and is closely working with local authorities to provide all possible assistance and support. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the grieving families during this difficult time. Further details are being ascertained," it said.
Driver lost control, collision sparked fire
According to the ministry, the driver of the truck lost control of the vehicle, after which it collided with another vehicle, overturned and hit several other vehicles that were on the road.
Fujairah Police said the impact of the collision caused the truck to catch fire, which then spread to the nearby vehicles, leading to several fatalities.
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The accident elicited a prompt response from authorities, with specialised police teams, ambulance and rescue crews and civil defence personnel rushing to the spot to rescue the injured. The teams doused the blaze and gave first aid to the injured before taking them to hospitals.
DNA tests to identify victims
ANI, quoting Fujairah Police, said the deceased included Emirati nationals, while DNA testing is being conducted to establish the identity of other victims.
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The accident involved 18 vehicles and five trucks, Khaleej Times reported.
Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan said three victims belonged to the same family from the state. He identified them as Muhammed Asmil and his twin sisters, Misna Jubin and Muhammed Fayis, all from Vengara in Malappuram district.
Meanwhile, 15 of the 30 injured people have been discharged from hospitals after receiving medical care, while the remaining people continue to be treated.(With agency inputs)