UAE | Traffic and Transport

Multiple-bus accident leaves witnesses shocked

Motorists who were near the site of the multiple-bus crash on Shaikh Zayed Road on Thursday said they were shocked by the scene at the accident.

  • By Syed Bilal Shafi, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:21 November 14, 2008
  • Gulf News

Dubai: Motorists who were near the site of the multiple-bus crash on Shaikh Zayed Road on Thursday said they were shocked by the scene at the accident.

More than 60 people were injured in the crash involving three buses.

"It was horrific. All three buses were completely charred. I was stuck for two-and-a-half hours in the heavy weekend traffic coming from Abu Dhabi. Initially, I thought perhaps a crane had fallen,"said Bilal Nayer, a motorist.

Atif Salman, another motorist, said he would like to congratulate the rescue team for their timely response. "I could see at least 13 ambulances and two helicopters near the scene, apart from police vehicles," he said.

A source at the Trauma Centre in Rashid Hospital said people with serious injuries started arriving at the hospital from 9pm onwards. "Thirteen people were brought here," he added. Many passengers had suffered fractures.

Peyman Younes, an official spokesperson from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said: "We are very distressed about the crash and our hearts and prayers remain with the injured. Our first priority was to make sure all injured passengers were immediately transferred to hospitals for treatment, besides providing alternative modes of transportation to those who had escaped unhurt." He commended the Unified Ambulance Services for their efficient service.

The accident occurred when the driver of the RTA bus - one of the vehicles involved in the crash - had slammed on the brakes too hard to avoid colliding with a car in front. As he braked, the RTA bus was hit from behind by the other buses carrying labourers. The impact was so strong that the buses caught fire, eyewitnesses said.

The RTA bus driver was taken into custody and his blood sample would be tested for alcohol, a Dubai Traffic Prosecution officer said.

- With inputs from Nina Muslim/Staff Reporter

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