Dubai: A driver has been detained for reckless driving and jumping a red light before hitting another vehicle, which skidded 17 metres across and knocked down a pedestrian, who sustained critical injuries.
The 35-year-old Asian driver has been placed under provisional detention for being responsible for the accident, which led to running over the 27-year-old Asian pedestrian and rushing him to hospital, said Chief Traffic Prosecutors Salah Bu Farousha, Head of Dubai Traffic Public Prosecution.
"The accident happened early Tuesday morning and we started our investigation in less than 12 hours … I have ordered traffic prosecutors to place the 35-year-old suspect in provisional detention for seven days [which is subject to extension]. We are following up on the victim's health situation with Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services," said Bu Farousha.
The accident happened around 1.00am at Port Saeed Roundabout and the suspect escaped unharmed. "According to onsite investigations, the suspect drove recklessly and jumped the red light … then he hit a second car driven by an Arab national [he escaped uninjured]. The Arab's car skidded nearly 17 metres before it hit the 27-year-old victim who was standing at a pavement near a zebra crossing.
The second vehicle skidded six metres before it hit a lamppost and a signpost and stopped at a wall. The victim was rushed to Rashid Hospital," said Bu Farousha. The chief traffic prosecutor said they asked Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority to support them with the surveillance cameras' footages [at the accident site] to be used in their investigation.
Following the accident, Bu Farousha called on motorists, drivers and road users to be more law abiding and vigilant.
"There are lives involved and drivers have to be more watchful and drive more attentively. We won't sit back and watch lives being cast away and properties being destroyed. The suspect's recklessness led to damaging two cars, two posts, and a wall besides injuring the victim. We will prosecute any person who breaches the traffic law," warned Bu Farousha.
