UAE | General
Five-year-old plunges to his death after opening window
The boy, Ahmad Salem, an Egyptian, was alone at his home on the tenth floor of a building located on Salam Street in Abu Dhabi.
- By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
- Published: 20:47 April 2, 2008
Abu Dhabi: "It was the first time that he ever opened the window," said Hanan, wiping her tears as she sat beside the a window from where her 5-year-old son plunged to his death on Tuesday evening.
The boy, Ahmad Salem, an Egyptian, was alone at his home on the tenth floor of a building located on Salam Street in Abu Dhabi.
"The incident happened around 7.30pm. The child must have opened the window and accidentally slipped out. The parents were both away from home," a police officer told Gulf News at the accident scene. "He never did it before", Hanan repeated as one of her colleagues calmed her, saying that this is the will of God. She works as an art teacher in a private school. Ahmad went to kindergarten at Rosary school.
"His parents were shopping when the accident took place. Someone called to inform them but everything was over by then," said a family friend. A police official who was at the scene rushed the child to a private hospital, however he had died instantly.
Glass windows run along the length of the hall of the apartment. "The windows open very easily. There are so many tall buildings here but most are not safe for children. I too have three children and I'm concerned about these issues," Hanan's neighbour said.
"Ahmad's 3-year-old sibling is unable to sleep at night. He constantly wakes up crying and is very upset."
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