Four Indian nationals, including two 21-year-old twins, their three-year-old nephew and a 13-year-old boy from Gujarat, were among 14 people killed in a series of collisions in Fujairah, UAE, on Thursday. Authorities have identified all the victims as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the accident.The UAE Ministry of Interior confirmed that 10 Emiratis and four Indians died in two consecutive crashes on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road during the early hours of Thursday. Another 30 people were injured, including Indian nationals, as 18 vehicles and five trucks were involved in the incident, according to Gulf News.The fourth Indian victim was identified on Saturday as Aatif Mohmmed Imran Mansur, a 13-year-old from Gujarat. Social workers assisting the family confirmed his identity to Gulf News on Sunday using a copy of his passport shared by relatives who travelled to the UAE.Aatif was visiting the country with his family and was travelling towards Fujairah International Airport for their return journey to India when the accident occurred. His parents and elder sister were injured in the crash and are receiving hospital treatment.
Family loses twins and three-year-old child
The other three Indian victims belonged to the family of Siddique Thuppilikkat Moideen, a long-time UAE resident who runs Eva Cafeteria, an established Fujairah restaurant founded in 1978.His twin children, Mohamed Asmil Siddique and Misna Jubin Siddique, both 21, and his three-year-old grandson, Muhammed Faiz, died in the accident as per the newspaper.Siddique’s wife, Arifa, their elder daughter Farzana, who is the mother of Faiz, and her two other children sustained injuries.Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, visited the bereaved family and offered condolences following the deaths. On Saturday, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, also visited the family and paid his respects.
How did the Fujairah accident happen?
The preliminary investigation found that two consecutive collisions occurred on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road towards Fujairah, in a section where the right-hand lane was closed for maintenance.The first involved a vehicle hitting a stationary truck. In the second crash, a truck carrying two shipping containers struck several vehicles before overturning.Fujairah Police had earlier said that a truck lost control near the emirate’s entrance, hit another vehicle and overturned into cars caught in slow-moving traffic. The impact triggered a fire that spread to other vehicles.As per the preliminary findings, the Indian family’s car was involved in the first collision, while vehicles caught in the resulting traffic congestion were hit by the second truck. The Ministry of Interior said the incident involved 18 vehicles and five trucks.
UAE investigates cause of fatal collisions
The Federal Public Prosecution has ordered inspections at the accident site, technical assessments and laboratory examinations to establish what caused the collisions and determine whether any parties were legally responsible.The driver of the truck involved in the incident has been ordered into detention while receiving medical treatment in hospital.The Ministry of Interior said it was coordinating with the prosecution and other relevant authorities as the investigation continued. It also urged motorists to follow speed limits, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and remain alert when traffic slows or comes to a stop.The ministry reiterated that heavy-vehicle traffic violations can attract fines of up to Dh3,000 and a driving licence suspension of up to one year.