Sharjah: A Moroccan couple was denied the joy of seeing their first-born when a speeding car rammed into the pregnant mother, killing her on the spot.

The tragedy occurred as the victim was trying to cross the road at Al Heira Corniche on Wednesday morning, Gulf News has learnt.

Khitma Al Heimidi, 18, was on her way to the Heira beach for her daily morning walk when a speeding car driven by an Asian woman hit her. She was thrown up in the air and landed on a concrete barrier. She was five months pregnant, an official at Sharjah Police said. She died on the spot.

Police said the victim was trying to cross Al Murqab road.

Khitma's husband, Serkan Kebacic, 28, who works in a supermarket in Sharjah, was traumatised by the loss of his wife and unborn child.

They had been married for only 10 months.

"My wife went to the beach for [her] daily exercise. Why did this happen?" Kebacic said.

"I will not forgive the motorist who took my wife and son from me, even if she pays blood money. I want my wife.. Let her bring my wife again," Kebacic said, tears rolling down his cheeks. Kebacic said that he met Khitma in the UAE, where their love blossomed. Her family stays in Morocco while Kebacic's relatives reside in Turkey.

Kebacic went to Morocco to meet Khitma's family to seek her hand in marriage. The wedding celebration was held in Turkey.

"This tragedy is heartbreaking," Ali S.D., Kebacic's friend, told Gulf News.

Motorist detained

"We feel sorry for him as he is left alone. We visit him in his house every day to speak with him. We try to make him laugh, just to take his sadness away. He cries all the time," Ali said.

Those who witnessed the crash were stunned. An eyewitness told Gulf News that the pregnant woman was crossing the road in front of an Emarat petrol station when she was hit by the vehicle.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families involved," he said. "This is a very sad and tragic accident."

Khitma's remains will be handed over to her husband tomorrow for burial in her home country, according to Ali.

Police have detained the motorist and the case will be taken up by the public prosecution.

Captain Khalid Al Kay, deputy director of the traffic department at Sharjah Police, urged all motorists to adhere to traffic rules and give way to pedestrians crossing roads.

The rising number of pedestrian deaths has alarmed the police and residents alike, leading to calls for pedestrian overpasses in Sharjah.

Last month, two Indian university students died after they were hit by a speeding vehicle while crossing a road in the Buhairah Corniche area.