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Dubai: Three people died and 11 others were injured in a gruesome accident when a speeding sewage tanker yesterday first hit a minibus, which was later also hit by a bus.
Nine injured passengers were rushed to the Rashid Hospital Trauma Centre, with the first case arriving at 7:27am. Two others were sent to a private hospital.
Among the injured, three people were critically injured in the chest and abdomen, two sustained major injuries to the limbs, while four had minor injuries.
Dr. Viktor Mikhael Butros, surgeon in charge at the trauma centre, said two of the critically injured victims were rushed to surgery. Two other victims were discharged after receiving treatment.
The accident happened at 6.30am on Friday on Al Khail Road when the driver of a sewage water tanker, who was allegedly speeding, lost control of his vehicle when it entered the Al Khail roundabout. He hit the minibus and overturned on it.
The minibus, carrying 14 people, was then hit by another bus transporting construction workers.
The three dead were identified as Indians and were all seated in the minibus. All the injured were also seated in the minibus.
Accident victim Gopalan Sasankan, from India, was one of those rushed to the Rashid Hospital Trauma Centre. Both his legs were broken.
Speaking to Gulf News from his hospital bed, he said he was on his way to work in the minibus when the sewage tanker hit it.
The 48-year-old father of two described what happened. "The tanker was speeding. The minibus driver tried to avoid it, but it was too late. The roof of the minibus came off in the crash and I was thrown out," he said.
"We thank God it was a Friday as it could have been even more disastrous had it happened in an early rush hour," said Salah Bu Farousha, Head of Dubai's Traffic Prosecution.
The Pakistani tanker driver was arrested as he was reportedly speeding and also driving an overloaded vehicle with 10,000 gallons of sewage water.
Mohammad Al Hammadi, First Traffic Prosecutor, conducted an on-site investigation. He said witnesses were questioned and the vehicle's brakes and wheels inspected.
"The driver will be referred to the Traffic Public Prosecution for further investigation [on Saturday]. We have contacted the municipality to help us weigh the sewage water and measure the capacity of the tank," he said.
Did you witness the accident? Will incidents like this make you more cautious when driving? What do you think should be done to avoid accidents like this? Send us your comments by filling in the form below or click here to upload your photographs of the event.
Your comments
I did not witness the accident and I consider myself lucky for that. Having seen enough of Al Khail Road during the last one year I totally avoid that road nowadays. The number of long heavy vehicles, buses and speeding mini buses make that road extremely hazardous for drivers.
Oommen
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 04, 2008, 14:49
Speeding seems to be often the cause of these horrific car accidents in the UAE. The UAE should consider speeding as attempted murder and judge speeding drivers accordingly.
Sautter
Paris,France
Posted: April 04, 2008, 14:30
Reduce the speed limits on the roads. Speeding kills.
Jennifer
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 04, 2008, 14:24
The number of fatal road accidents are being reported at a much more alarming rate. Gulf News is doing its part in exposing the boiling pot traffic situation. And it is positive to note that the city of Dubai is now being more assertive in trying to apprehend violators.
John
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: April 04, 2008, 14:24
I have four children and I'm so scared of driving on UAE roads.
Wanda
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 04, 2008, 14:24
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