Dubai: A family has been left homeless after a car crashed into their home, smashing into a wall and cutting power to their villa, Gulf News can reveal.
UAE | Emergencies
Family left homeless after car crashes into villa
Freak accident cuts the power, forcing family of five to move in with friends
- By Shafaat Shahbandari , Staff Reporter
- Published: 14:57 August 22, 2012
- Image Credit: Courtesy: Iqbal Zuberi
- The car crashed into the compound wall, destroying it and the power distribution board installed on it. It is understood that the driver lost control of the vehicle while speeding.
Iqbal Zuberi was preparing for iftar at his villa in Nad Al Hammar, Dubai, on August 7, when he heard a loud sound outside.
With the power instantly cut, the stunned 54 year old ran outside to find a Honda Accord, owned by one of his neighbours, crashed into the compound wall of his villa, destroying it and the power distribution board installed on it.
It is understood the Indian driver of the car lost control of the vehicle while speeding.
Miraculously, the driver survived unhurt but Zuberi and his family, including his elderly mother-in-law, his wife and two grown up kids are now homeless.
“It’s impossible to live without power in this heat, which has rendered us homeless.
“We have been living here and there, some days at a friend’s house and a few days at a relative’s house,” said an agitated Zuberi, who moved into his four-bedroom villa in December 2001.
“I don’t know how long we can go on like this,” he added.
As per accident procedure, Dubai Police officials inspected the site immediately and then filed papers for the vehicle’s insurers, Al Wateeba Insurance, in order to start repairs.
However, after two weeks, there is no sign of any action and the family has nowhere to go as their property is without electricity and water.
Zuberi said: “I have been in touch with the insurance firm from day one; they sent an official to survey the site but after that nothing has materialised.
“I have been chasing them daily but all my efforts to get things fixed have been futile so far.”
Zuberi also filed a complaint with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) — a team from Dewa paid a visit to the site and disconnected the power as the accident left dangerous live wires exposed.
An official from the power authority said they can restore power once the power distribution board is fixed, but this work has to be carried out by a contractor assigned by the insurance company.
When contacted, the insurance company official who has surveyed the site, said he is no longer handling the case.
An official from the Claims Department of Al Wateeba Insurance said he is aware of the case and work is being done to fix the issue.
He said: “We are in touch with the claimant and the company is aware of his plight. We will start work to fix things in a couple of days.”
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