14 Dead, Including 4 Indians, in Massive Fujairah Pile-up
A catastrophic 23-vehicle pile-up in Fujairah has resulted in 14 deaths, including four Indian nationals, after a truck lost control.
A horrific multi-vehicle collision on Sheikh Khalifa Road in Fujairah has claimed 14 lives and left 30 people injured. The massive pile-up, which involved 23 vehicles, occurred late Thursday night, turning a stretch of the highway into a scene of chaos and fire.
Authorities from the UAE Ministry of Interior and Fujairah Police confirmed that the accident began when a truck driver lost control of his vehicle. The initial impact triggered a chain reaction involving 18 cars and five trucks, eventually igniting a fire that spread through the slow-moving traffic.
Heartbreaking Losses Among Indian Nationals
Among the 14 fatalities, four were identified as Indian nationals. The tragedy has deeply affected families from both Kerala and Gujarat.
A family from Malappuram, Kerala, suffered an unimaginable loss when 21-year-old twins Mohamed Asmil Siddique and Misna Jubin Siddique, along with their three-year-old nephew, Muhammed Faiz, lost their lives. The trio was traveling in a Toyota Fortuner near the Fujairah Court House at approximately 11 p.m. when the accident occurred. The funeral for the Kerala victims was held at the Fujairah Old Etisalat Mosque.
A fourth Indian victim, a 13-year-old boy from Gujarat, died during a second collision. He was traveling with his family toward Fujairah International Airport for a flight back to India. His parents, sister, and the family's driver were also injured and remain under medical care.
Casualties and Injuries
The collision resulted in a diverse group of casualties. Of the 30 individuals injured, the breakdown of nationalities includes:
- 8 Emirati nationals
- 7 Indian nationals
- 6 Omani nationals
- 3 Egyptian nationals
- 2 Pakistani nationals
- 2 Jordanian nationals
- 2 Brazilian nationals
Fifteen of the injured have been discharged, while others continue to receive treatment. Other confirmed victims include UAE national and police officer Hajar Salem Khamis Al Mismari and Ahmed Thani Juma Al Mujairdi.
Official Response and Investigation
The Federal Public Prosecution has detained the truck driver involved in the crash. While the driver is currently hospitalized, authorities have seized his passport and driving license. An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact mechanical and environmental factors that led to the loss of control.
In response to the tragedy, the Indian Consulate General in Dubai is working with local authorities to support the victims' families. In India, Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has directed NORKA Roots to provide necessary assistance to the bereaved families. Additionally, Fujairah’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, offered his condolences to the affected families.
The Ministry of Interior has issued reminders regarding traffic safety, noting that heavy-vehicle violations can result in fines of up to Dh3,000 and license suspensions of up to one year.