A devastating multi-vehicle collision in the United Arab Emirates has left at least 14 people dead and 30 injured, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The accident occurred late Friday night near the entrance to Fujairah, one of the UAE's eastern emirates, when a truck driver lost control and triggered a chain-reaction crash involving 23 vehicles, including five trucks.
Details of the Incident
According to the Interior Ministry, the accident happened just before midnight in slow-moving traffic. The truck first collided with another vehicle, then overturned and struck several others that had stopped due to congestion. The impact caused the truck to catch fire, and the blaze quickly spread to other vehicles, resulting in heavy casualties.
Fujairah Police reported that 30 people were injured and rushed to hospitals. By Saturday, half of the injured had been discharged after treatment, while the rest remain under medical care. The victims include Emirati nationals as well as citizens of Oman, India, Brazil, Pakistan, Jordan, and Egypt. The Indian Consulate in the UAE confirmed that its citizens were among the deceased and said it is in contact with bereaved families and coordinating with local authorities for support.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Emergency services, including police, paramedics, and civil defence teams, responded swiftly to the scene. They extinguished the fire, transported the injured to hospitals, and secured the area. Specialist teams remain at the site to investigate the cause of the crash. DNA testing is being used to identify some of the victims, police said.
The Interior Ministry and Fujairah Police extended their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. The UAE has a high standard of road safety, but accidents involving heavy vehicles can have catastrophic consequences, especially at night.
International Impact
The crash has reverberated beyond the UAE's borders, with several countries confirming that their nationals were affected. The Indian Consulate expressed its condolences and is providing assistance to the families of Indian victims. The incident underscores the risks faced by the diverse expatriate community in the Gulf nation, where millions of foreign workers reside.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules, particularly during nighttime and in adverse conditions. The UAE government has repeatedly emphasized road safety campaigns, but this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance behind the wheel.
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
