Indian workers among seven dead, nine injured after minibus collides with truck in Dubai: Details

At least seven people were killed and nine others injured, including Indian workers, in Dubai on Monday (local time) after a minibus collided with a truck that had stopped in the middle of the road, authorities said.

In a post on X, the Indian consulate in Dubai said: “Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Dubai that claimed the lives of several Indian workers.”

The mission added that it was working closely with local authorities to provide all possible help and support, saying: “Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to the bereaved families at this difficult time.”

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The accident occurred when the truck, which had stopped suddenly in the middle of Emirates Road due to a technical fault, was rear-ended by a minibus whose driver allegedly failed to maintain a safe distance.

At least seven people were killed and nine others were injured, including five with serious injuries and four with moderate injuries.

The Indian Consulate is working closely with local authorities to provide assistance and support to the families of the victims and the injured individuals.

Drivers who stop in the middle of the road in Dubai can face a fine of AED 1,000 and six black points on their driving licence, along with a possible fine of AED 500 for obstructing traffic.

Experts from the traffic accident investigation department were sent to the scene to collect evidence and determine the exact cause of the accident.

Here’s what we know

The director of the Dubai Police’s main transport department, Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, said a preliminary investigation revealed that the truck stopped suddenly in the middle of Emirates Road due to a technical fault. He added in a statement: “The bus driver, who allegedly failed to pay attention and maintain a safe distance, then rear-ended the truck.”

“The accident resulted in seven deaths and nine injuries, including five serious and four moderate injuries. All the injured were taken to the hospital for treatment,” he added.

Read also | Palghar accident: 13 dead; CM Fadnavis announces ex-gratia for the kin of the victims

Officials of the Indian mission visited the hospital and met the injured Indians. Brigadier General Juma Salem said that experts from the Traffic Accident Investigation Section have been dispatched to the site to inspect it and collect accurate evidence to determine the exact causes of the crash.

Salem added: “Traffic patrols regulated the flow of traffic, secured the site and facilitated access for emergency vehicles. Work teams also removed the damaged truck and bus to restore normal traffic.”

Following the accident, Brigadier Juma described stopping a vehicle in the middle of the road as one of the most dangerous traffic offences, warning that it could lead to “serious accidents, fatal injuries and serious injuries”.

Dubai Police also noted that motorists who stop in the middle of the road face a fine of AED 1,000 and six black points on their license. Additionally, a separate fine of AED 500 may be imposed for obstructing traffic under Article 98.

Read also | Why reports of Dubai’s death are greatly exaggerated

Omani authorities rescue Indian crew after fire

In a separate incident reported today, Omani authorities rescued all 24 Indian crew members aboard the MT Marivex oil tanker following a fire on the Madagascar-flagged vessel, the Indian Embassy in Muscat said.

In a post on X, the embassy expressed its gratitude to the Omani authorities for their swift action in ensuring the safety of the Indian nationals.

“We are grateful to the Omani authorities for their quick response and rescue of all 24 crew members of Indian nationality on board the MT Marivex and ensuring their safety,” the Indian embassy added.

Read also | Oman rescues 24 Indians after ‘blacklisted’ oil tanker fire.

The rescue came hours after the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) confirmed a fire on board the MT Marivex south of the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Director of Shipping Division Opesh Kumar Sharma said the fire was reported at around 1.30pm today, adding: “This is the preliminary information we have received. As per available information, all Indian seafarers are currently safe.”

Sharma further said that the ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian Missions Abroad, Indian Navy and Ministry of Defense to ensure the safety of the crew.

The transport ministry is in touch with the owners, Sharma said, adding that they are trying to establish the facts.