Horrific accident on Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway near Ghantoot

Abu Dhabi: At least three people were killed and nearly 350 injured in a horrific 60 vehicle pile-up on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway near Ghantoot on Tuesday.

However, Gulf News has learnt that the death toll could be five. The 25km stretch of the UAE's busiest highway from Abu Dhabi to Dubai was closed for more than five hours, resulting in huge tailbacks during rush hours.

Police said among the 347 injured, six people were critical, while 39 suffered medium injuries. The remaining suffered minor injuries. Police said 25 vehicles caught fire following the accidents caused by poor visibility due to the thick fog and lack of attention by motorists.

Lieutenant General Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, said coordination by officials contributed to limiting the fatalities. Quick response by the rescue and ambulance department officials helped save lives and in reopening the road to traffic at the earliest. He called on all road users to exercise caution, especially during early morning when visibility is low.

Colonel Osman Al Tamimi, Director of the Emergency and Safety Management section of Abu Dhabi Police said the central operations room received a call at 6.39am informing about a series of pile ups between Bahia bridge and Ghantoot bridge in the direction towards Dubai. Ambulances, fire engines and helicopters of the Air Wing were despatched immediately.

Dubai police and support teams from Armed Forces as well as a number of traffic patrols joined the rescue operations.

"The officials worked towards moving the injured to the nearest hospitals and extinguishing the fire," he said, adding that the roads were reopened for traffic in record time.

An Abu Dhabi traffic police officer at the crash site said: "The crash happened because everyone was speeding despite the severe weather conditions. Drivers weren't leaving a safe distance between cars and this resulted in everyone hitting each other after the first crash."

- With inputs from Eman Mohammed/Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor

My condolences to the family of those who died from the tragic accident in Abu Dhabi yesterday. For those who passed away May You Rest in Peace. What happened yesterday is a wake up call for everyone to be more disciplined and responsible in their driving. Police must be visible on roads everywhere not only in Abu Dhabi but all Emirates.
sharonrose
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 10:19

We can't blame anybody for this kind of accident. Nobody was expecting such a sudden huge fog on the road in their normal driving to workplace or somewhere. So this is a kind of natural calamity - act of god. UAE is No.1 in the world in certain things and now No.1 in a Car accident of this kind. Very unfortunate.
Jaideep
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 10:17

Reckless drivers are overconfident of their abilities to control vehicles at high speeds. While careful drivers will slow down in bad driving conditions, these reckless drivers try to make the most by maintaining high speeds. Unfortunately at those speeds, even in normal driving conditions, one small mistake results in horrific accidents. My prayers are with those who passed away and wish a fast recovery for the injured. Meanwhile, I was wondering whether repeated "breaking-news" or "urgent-news" broadcasts were made on all radio channels on a repeated basis. This would help in warning drivers about bad driving conditions and accidents.
Arshad
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 10:15

I had a close escape from this horrible accident, as I was in a car and I just managed to jump out of it and then all I could hear was bang, bang, bang. I have seen it all with my eyes, and would never want to see such a thing again in my whole life. It was a sorry sight.
Joel
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 10:14

This must be the worst accident in the world so far. Dubai broke another record. I hope who ever was involved will be okay soon and I feel for the families who lost their dear ones. I am still having a hard time consuming this, because seriously this is unbelievable. I had a hard time believing, 200 cars?! I mean seriously, who ever was speeding either is dead or feeling great guilt, I hope people take that as an example. Some of you said reducing speed limit, but do you guys really think that will help? I mean what kind of Radar catches you in the fog? Reducing the speed limit isn't the solution. There is no law that will help this kind of situation. The only thing that could help is either apply extreme punishment if one is caught, or either make getting a license harder. Or maybe launch a massive educational campaign. In the end I say please people, be careful, speeding won't make you a better man or woman. If you don't care about your lives, we do, we have families and friends on the road driving with you.
Rami
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 10:01

This accident happened due to our careless driving. Because we all know when wheather is too foggy, we must wait for sunlight or drive slowly, if we are driving in this weather rather than blindly driving. Please drive carefully
Anzar
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 09:56

I am just a student in the 8th standard and when I saw the pictures in the gulf news, I thought how stupid some drivers can be to drive at 120kmph on a thick foggy day.
sarath
abudhabi,uae
Posted: March 12, 2008, 09:53

During the foggy period police should be over there on every heavy traffic route to monitor the speed. If the police is there nobody dares to speed up the vehicle. It is the duty of the traffic police to monitor the speed personally not just through the cameras.
Hamed
Dubai,India
Posted: March 12, 2008, 09:44

This is not stupidity or idiocy or moronity, this is plain and clear Road Arrogance that can only be curbed by stern traffic rules.
Jamal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 07:01

I am working in an emergency department of one of the hospitals where, some of the patients were transferred and treated and, I can say that this is the worst (so far) incident that I have experienced yet. We will still see more of this disaster, unless the people in this country will open their eyes and learn from their mistakes. No matter how careful an individual drives if, the other drivers were too proud, boastful and careless in the highway. Accidents like this will surely happen.
Jemai
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 06:17

Hazard flashing is wrong but also it is important to keep a distance and drive slowly. Am wondering if there are any warning lights on the side of the road or something similar that can be used for such an emergency conditions.
Sumaya
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 05:05

I just got the news from a friend on Facebook. That's realy so horrible. So sad for the families of the dead people.
Othman
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 04:09

Now it is the time to implement public transport like metro train. where people from both federal states can relax while travelling and also lower the cost of living at Dubai. For sure the real reason of this accident is be punctual. UAE has done the very best for us and thank you very much.
Victor
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 02:47

There is only one way to stop speeding. Fix a black box in everycar. If it reaches 120km/h, the fine shall accumalate and lose the licence. I hope the traffic department do this otherwise they are wasting their time to educate people some who will never learn.
Arif
Sydney,Australia
Posted: March 12, 2008, 02:43

Very few positive remarks. Suprised that so many people think they know exactly what happened and offer there wisdom of perfection. Get a life. Many people died while you took your pictures and videos. All I can offer is my prayers to the hurt and the dead.
Robert
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 02:26

It was a shocking scene in my whole life. I was cruising on the 2nd track with slow music. the visibility was very less, maybe around 10-15m. I could see a lots of hazard lights blinking on the roads and the headlights were put on by the drivers of both the direction. I heard a sudden hard noise. I looked through my central glass. I could feel that some force is coming to attack me from back and it was all in a fraction of a second. The scene was shocking. A car was heading with high speed out of control, I thought he will slow down suddenly and will pass me through the fast track, but suddenly he loses his control and was moving zig zag on the road. Another car came and it hit with the uncontrolled car and all the mess happened. It was a miraculous escape for me.
Ahamed
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 01:42

People are crazy to drive like this. More education is required. Heavy fines to be introduced. If guys are given this kind of toys what will happen? Neon messages to be introduced on the road.
John
Toronto,Canada
Posted: March 12, 2008, 01:22

I strongly believe the first car that caused the accident is the main cause for all the accidents, this driver deserves 48 black points instead of just 24 and he should take all the charges for the loss caused to the insurance companies. The traffic was smooth only until this first car wrecked up everything. I lost my dearest friend because of this Marathon accident.
Al Dhahri
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 01:06

I'm a paramedic here and have seen almost all kinds of accidents you can imagine. I cannot say this is the most horrible so far because the drivers here don't want to learn from such experiences despite the fact that we have various accidents everyday. Most accidents happen because of negligence. Sometimes all we need to have is a sound common sense. Just learn how to slow down is all that matters. It can save lives. Who knows maybe its yours.
Omar
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 00:53

When will people learn to slow down and taking driving seriously. Today should never have happened. All over the world there is fog but only here do you get a 200 car pile up. Its time to learn to drive people. I wish all the injured people a quick recovery.
Joanna
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 00:28

I cannot understand why people put the hazard lights on when driving through fog. It makes no sense, since those lights are supposed to be used to signal change of lanes.
Moju
Al Ain,UAE
Posted: March 12, 2008, 00:08

Drivers should always drive with high concentration and maintain sufficient gap.
Nazeer
Dubai,U.A.E
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:36

13 cars crashed into Ruwais Road near Tarif
Noor
AbuDhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:36

If you have no head lights on, tinted windows beyond the police legal allowance, hazards flashing, needle bouncing off the 160km, coffee in one hand, and a copy of the local newspaper on your steering wheel, what else was going to happen apart from today's accident. Having traveled for the last 4 years on the same route, I see it everyday. I can bet that all those who are suffering now are the ones that didn't cause the accident. Better to be 40 minutes late in this world than 40 years early in the next! Slow down and listen to advice.
P Brent
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:34

Most accidents are caused because of driving fast. In fog people should drive slowly and carefully, but if on the roads there are no controls and no rules, then it is normal that such accidents happen, So do not be surprised
mike
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:34

Inshallah the injured people will be fine. I was there in the scene and I'm speechless all I can say is that we all should learn from this terrible scene and behave and obey rules
osama
abu dhabi,uae
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:34

This happens despite the licensing law being strict. I feel that the UAE govt must now think of building more metros and also local railways for the commuters, so that less number of people travel on this road.
sanjeev
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:34

I am a student intern at Mafraq hospital. The only way to describe the aftermath in the ER would be to call it chaotic. Intensive efforts were made to help patients in the ER .Thank god they were successful as many people were treated for broken bones and tissue injury.
omer
baniyas,uae
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:27

Seeing the above accident, I request Road Traffic Authority to reduce the speed limit in Dubai-Abu Dhabi road.
Pawne
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:27

I've never ever seen such a horrible accident
Arshad
al ain,india
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:26

The government should implement a rule that vehicles should not run at the speed of 60 Km/hr during the foggy condition, at the same time the employer(s) should consider the reasons of the delay occuring because of the fog as a valid reason in order to let the drivers drive the vehicle at the nominal speed.
S M Razeen
Abu Dhabi,U AE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:26

When you are driving through the fog please don't switch on the hazards and if you are stuck in the traffic when fogs there please switch on the hazards and if it is thick fog please horn at least two or three times. then only people can notice infront of them have to face some traffic. these things came to my mind today morning i also faced three accident on the way to dubai from abu dhab. two times i escaped from the accident because of the horn sound at the time i couldn't seen any hazards lights due to huge fog.
lalith
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:26

This has happened due to some stupid people who always believe their car brakes will save them.
Bilal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:26

So much for the new point system encouraging people to drive more safely...
Paul
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:24

Don't drive at all during thick fog, because if you slow down, you might get hit by cars from behind. Until UAE drivers reach a maturity level, stay home or park your car. Your life is more expensive than any other appointment you might have.
Tareq
RAK,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:24

I saw thing happening in front of me. I just save my life because my speed was slow so i could control my car
Vijay
Abu Dhbai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:24

My collegue broke his hip in this accident. He is already really old and had replaced one hip couple of years ago.
Simao
AD,uae
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:23

I was heading to Abu Dhabi at 0630 hours just past Jebel Ali. When thick fog appeared I got off the road and sat in a garage area until it cleared as crazy people were driving in excess of 100kmh despite only 20 meters visibility. The reason for this crash is ignorance while driving in these conditions ie flashing light and of course speed
Ken
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:20

It is something that no one can believe. Good luck for all. Take care and follow the rules.
Rochak
DUBAI,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:20

My prayers go the victims of this tragedy. May God bless their souls.
Muneer
Manama,bahrain
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:19

i have been in KSA for about 3 yrs. The only thing i'd like to traffic police is whenever there is foggy weather, most of the traffic police are visible on the road, they are monitoring the flow of traffic you dont have chance to speed-up or else police will catch you directly
enrico
abu-dhabi,U.A.E.
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:19

Oh. Terrible accident, I have never ever seen such a horrible scene.
Santhosh
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:18

Everyone in the UAE should learn how to drive and the UAE needs to get rules; I mean not just rules on papers but also in practice.
khalil
London,UK
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:17

I was travelling to Dubai and was totally stuck in the traffic. At around 12 police opened the road to Dubai. I counted some 32(belive more) cars fully burnt and ther were lot of cars which was totally damaged.
Manoj
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:17

Everyday I am traveling from Jebel Ali to Nad Al Sheba for my duty.I have seen many accidents on Emirates Road which mostly happen due to hazard lights when foggy. This must be stopped by forcing law. And also noticed that while foggy, some drivers blindly speed which may lead to death of innocent people.
Najumudeen
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:17

I live in Al Rahba and travel everyday to my workplace in Dubai Academic City. I was among the ones who were saved, firstly because of God's help, and then because of that unkown hero on the road (a laborer) who was shouting his heads off and running towards the on coming traffic to warn them and stop them. It is difficult to explain how frantically he was yelling and trying his best to stop cars -just so that there are not any more casualties. Had I not stopped because of his warning I might have also been involved in that horrific accident. One question I would like to ask the authorities, were there some jammers in place in the area after that accident? I was trying to call my folks to tell them that I was ok and they were also trying their best to call me, but signals were not going through My folks were searching for me everywhere. In such moments it is very important for people to be able to call.
Waqqas
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:17

It is really very unfortunate that many drivers do not know when they should use the hazard lights. In the Ghantoot accident this unawareness has added up to the problem.
Joshi
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:17

Four things: 1) Hazard lights blinking when driving. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. 2) Lack of Police cruisers controlling the traffic (unlike in the US) 3) Lack of aerial monitoring with helicopters/planes 4) Inexperienced drivers who mistake the highway for the Monte Carlo Grand Prix. 5) Total disregard of traffic rules by a sizeable minority of drivers.
Nicholas
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:17

I've been traveling from AD to DXB on a daily basis, today was a catastrophe. I spent 6 hours until I reached DXB borders. I wish all injured people a quick recovery, and I hope that people will learn the moral of what happened today: speeding in bad weather conditions can get ugly! Take care people.
Sharif
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:14

I saw it this morning from the other side - the place looked like a war zone...we left the road immediately at the next exit and took a small road through the desert which worked out ok. Sometimes you wonder why here in the UAE there is so much reckless driving going on with peoples lives getting impacted Matthias
Matthias
Dortmund,Germany
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:14

Because of over speeding regardless of the road / visibility conditions; it is better to declare the road affected (CLOSED for Traffic) till the road will be safe for traffic. We do that in Egypt during severe sand storms in western desert areas.
Samy
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:13

very very horrible and stunning
sreejan
dubai,uae
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:13

Almost 12 people have died in last 8 days after the introduction of severe penalties. Is raising the fines a solution? I don't think so, because nothing can take out the reckless attitude from the minds of those who do not respect their lives or those of others. What we need is strict vigil and more cops on the roads all the time. One barely finds any survellience when the traffic is thing leading people to break the law without fear. They cut in, drive on hard shoulders, make reckless U-turns. Most importantly, there should be a strict limit on number of hours the drivers of public transport can drive. In their eagerness to make more money they drive for 18 to 20 hours without rest and then lose control.
Rafi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:12

Unfortunately, I witnessed the worst accident I've ever seen in my life. The scene was unbelievable. Minimum of 150 cars were involved in various crashes (one of them had around 15 cars) across Abu Dhabi-Dubai high way starting from Al Baraha area. The fog was extremely heavy and visibility was almost zero. Road was blocked from 7:00 AM till 10:30 when traffic officers opened the way back to Abu Dhabi. I saw the largest number of ambulances, police cars
Mostafa
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:12

I hardly see anything, but the pictures I saw was quite scared at me!
Yasodha
dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:11

Carelessness is the reason for 99% of car accidents in my experience. Please avoid using mobile phones while driving. Police must take strict action to drivers who do this.
Regi
dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:10

"Speed doesn't kill, Stupidity DOES!!!" quoted from Jeremy Clarkson, TOP GEAR.
Nasser
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:09

I was driving on the same highway same time the previous day, fog was also similar. UAE drivers need necessary training in driving in fog. People do not even know the use of "hazard lights". Some guys are speeding at 160 km/hr when visibility is just about 50 - 100 m.
Sunil
Dubai,U.A.E.
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:09

Extremely sad and horrific but again one of the biggest causes of this was careless driving - speeding, not putting headlights AND foglights on, overtaking, tailgating, not having cars properly maintained to ensure that lights / brakes work etc, talking on the phone, children bouncing around in the car causing distraction - the list goes on. These issues in normal driving conditions are stupid and dangerous but in severe conditions such as this morning they are stupid, dangerous and lethal. My heart goes out to the people involved but to all people on the roads, for goodness sake, take care and think about what your actions could do to another or 200 others.
Fen
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:07

Over the recent years I have had many nightmares. This was some thing real. I even saw a car jump over my car, it was real chaos. I escaped with a leg injury
Manoharan Reddy
Dubai,U.A.E
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:07

Over speeding is not only the reason for accidents. I am the witness of all the four accidents and in conclusion all these tragedies resulted is only due to the carelessness of 1 or 2 people. Moreover, I used to travel to and fro, Abu Dhabi and Dubai on daily a basis. According to me, all the accidents are caused due to the usage of mobile phone while driving, inappropriate usage of signals or changing tracks without any close check or any appropriate signals. Moreover, I used to see some practices in prevalence with some of the fellows that, on the highways too, some people drive the car at the lower speed than lowest speed assigned for the road and on the other hand, some people who use the acceleration track are not interested to care about others coming behind and will apply sudden brakes unnecessarily and won't clear the lane (even they clear the track, wont be going inside the next track fully, but in 50:50 Ratio) after signals or will be coming back to the same track within seconds. Moreover, poorly maintained vehicles are the main causes for the fire.
Mintu J
Abu Dhabi,United Arab Emirates
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:07

It is only common sense that the best mode of transportation between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is train. But, with so many automobile selling lobbies, who is bothered about public interest ? My dear car dealers, please remember one thing that it might be you or one of your own beloved ones getting caught in such incidents !! Dear authorities, please open your eyes and provide more public transportation facilities rather than continuously promoting car dealer lobby. Let us recognize that that is the problem since no amount of awareness programmes and education can contain these risks !!
Ravi
Sharjah,India
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:07

Last week I was coming from dubai to Abu dhabi from public bus and there was this kind of FOG and every one started to put Hazard Lights, I told one of my friend that this is not allowed in these conditions (as I took theory classes at EDC I knew) but my friend and driver didn't seem to agree with me. I told them driver behind you will not judge your track changed, and the driver put hazards light on. Thanks to the goverment for educating young driver like me , it should be compulsory for all including old license holders
Muhammad
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:07

This is the second major accident I have seen in two days time. The real problem is people are not driving slow, keeping safe distance and drive keeping hazard lights on in this foggy weather. Due to this reason people from behind dont know the situation in front. I suggest the speed limit should be around 60-80 km/hr and in case of any accident in front people should not stop there car in the middle of road but move it off the track. Today's accident was converted from a minor to major because of this reason.
Adeeb
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:07

It's very sad and horrifying sight. I guess the governtment has to do a lot of rethinking on how to curb accidents. They have tried a lot but the biggest problem is every driver thinks this cannot happen to him.
Latesh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:07

Because of attitude of the people we have here in this part of the world it is a miracle that we are not facing such situations on daily basis. These over speeding guys they should be punished to jail, i don't know what is causing govt. to not to declare over speeding as a crime and guilty should be jailed.
Syed Shoaib
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:06

I have never seen such a horrible accident in my life and this is not siad as an accident an accident is to be with 2 or 3 cars maximum . I pray and wish that the almighty allah should help them really.
vasanth
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:06

If only people were educated enough to switch on the correct ligths. Simple task, shame
Kalid
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 14:05

I study in a college in dubai and go there everyday. Today was a real disaster that I saw . Our car was right in the front of the cars that caught fire. Infact ours was the last one to be safe. We got out of the car and saw the car catching fire. When we went ahead,we saw 20 more cars involved in accidents and beyond that were buses.The reason I feel could have been the fact that people use their hazard lights while driving in foggy conditions which might have been misinterpreted by the cars behind. I request everyone to please avoid using hazard lights avoid speeding in such conditions. It might not only be unsafe for you but it might even involve others too. Now that you can see it might be because of one car that stopped suddenly and others too crashed in the same.
samra
abu dhabi,uae
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:56

I witnessed the accident scene as we were heading to our work in JebelAli. it was a horifying scene and we should appreciate the police for their great efforts to restore normalcy in traffic though the accident involved so many cars. I am really concerned about the people inside the burnt cars.
Guru
Abudhabi,India
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:53

Never in my 35 years of driving have I witnessed such carnage. As I passed Ghantoot on my daily drive form Dubai to Abu Dhabi a car literally exploded. But this was the first of a series of four maybe five major accidents on the same stretch of road over the next 30 kilometres each involving an estimated 40 - 50 cars. The driving can only be described as banal. I'm sorry but the authorities MUST act on implementing speed regulations on this road which trust me are NEVER followed. The highest awards possible to the two Asian gentlemen who ran at least one kilometer towards Dubai madly flagging shirts at cars on the opposite side of the road to warn them to slow down. They undoubtedly saved other lives in conditions of near zero visibility.
Steve
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:52

It's not the weather that should be blamed but every single individual in the UAE who drives. Till the time the overall attitude on the road does not change, we will continue to see more of these. If there is fog or water on the road, you simply have to take extreme caution and not keep flying as drivers normally do. It's a shame families lose their loved ones and in many cases the only breadwinner. Life will never be the same for them. Sincere condolences to the families of the casualties.
Akbar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:49

People should be aware about driving in such poor visiblity. use of hazard lights is only when you are at full stop. i have seen people driving above 120 KMPH and over taking others with their hazard lights on. it sends a wrong message to the other drivers. the photos show that this accident is one of the most horrific ones.
RB
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:49

One should defenitely be using hazard lights alongwith head lights during foggy weather because these lights are mono-chromatic and visible from a long distant. When change lines disengage it temporarily for indicator.
serajudheen
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:47

Accidents like this are usually followed by a crack down, so I'm hoping that speed will not be the only target of this. Drivers who insist on using hazard warning lights while in fog should have their cars impounded (although they are to be fined and given black points in the new RTA rules). Those lights are supposed to be used to warn oncoming traffic of an accident and nothing else. If you were driving up to those lights today in the fog, it would be easy to assume that it was just another idiot driving, or slowing down (a taxi driver's favourite is to pop on the hazards in the assumption that break lights are not enough). This means that many people will have hit the back of the original accident scene with out any proper warning. Even with news of the accident, I saw people driving 4x4s with perfectly good headlights and fog lights both switched off in favour of the hazards. They are called "hazard warning" lights for a reason! Please pay attention Police! Ban the Harazrd drivers.
Rick T
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:46

I was coming from Abu-Dhabi to Dubai today (Tuesday-2008/03/11) 7:36AM::I stopped at Ghantoot (possible accident about 200m away) 7:40AM::Waiting (Car is stopped) 7:41AM::Hear the screaming sounds of tyre breaks, from behind. I parked the car aside, and went back (risky task) and found about 10 cars involved in accident. 7:50AM:: Moved ahead and found another 10 cards (approx) involved in accident. 7:55AM:: Police diverted traffic from Ghantoot, towards Al-Maha Forest, which lead to Dubai afterwards.
kashif
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:43

I just happened to be at the spot when the accident happened,travelling from abudhabi to dubai.Thank god i was just saved. the scene was horrible. one shameful thing is that many people are spectators and not willing to help the victims. Overspeeding and hazard light is the main cause. i think authorities shall give training sessions for each drivers at least once in a year and to make the certificate a must like licence and also be trained to provide basic first aids in case of emergency. i am driving from AD to dubai daily for the past 4 yrs and i know how careless some drivers are.
jiji
abudhabi,uae
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:43

I left my home in Al Samha at 7 am with visibility very low. I stopped at first accident site after almost 5 km of drive from Samha interchange towards dubai. While I was waiting for the traffic to move suddenly I heard four bangs from almost 10 cars behind me. Till Ghantoot I saw four pileups. It seemed like a war zone today on AUD Highway. May God help those who were affected from today's accidents.
Najeeb
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:41

March 11th is horrible day for the UAE people. The major accident at Ghantoot in Abu Dhabi - Dubai road. This accident is not due to climate condition it is purely due to the driver's mistake. When there is poor visibility why do drivers need to speed the cars more than 120 kms?
Neelanarayanan
abudhabi,India
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:40

If Fog wouldn't slow you down, then you do not deserve a driving license.
khalid
abu dhabi,uae
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:39

It is never bad conditions that causes accidents. It is always THE DRIVERS FAILURE TO ADAPT to the bad conditions that cause accidents.
Per
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:39

Whenever there is a fog they have to drive slowly not more than 40 km and strictly not use the hazard lights. It doesn't matter how long we delay to reach our destination but drive slowly. Even though in good visibility overspeeding will cause serious accidents as well.
Sulaiman
DUBAI,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:39

I was driving at the oppisite direction of Al-Rahba at a speed of 140 KM/Hr. I sure learned a lesson today, don't speed in foggy weather even if the road is empty. May Allah protect us all. It is so sad, I think police should have special radars to catch speeders depending on the weather. So if it is foggy radar limit will be automatically be 80 KM/HR. Safe Driving folks
Ali
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:37

I think this was the first time in the history of the UAE that these many accidents happend at the same spot. I go to college every day from Abu Dhabi to Dubai never expected this nightmare would happen. It was an all over loss for the ppl as they were not able to reach at their jobs and they had a really bad time waiting for like 3 hours.
shahbaz
abu dhabi,uae
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:35

Thank God I wasn't in this scene, however I'm driving every day on roads shared with careless drivers. We cannot stress enogh that the Government has to take very rigorous actions towards careless people who keep speeding and racing despite the high fines and bad weather, causing severe and hazardous roads to all of us. Abu Dhabi Police HAVE to reduce the radar limit from 160 to 120. We appeal to all Emirates Goverments and Rulers: our families are not safe on the streets with careless people around, please help us. Only you can solve it.
Fadi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:35

Take Care!
Faisal
Abudhabi,United Arab Emirates
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:34

I am a daily commuter from Dubai to Rahba. It was catastrophic. When i was passing thorugh the fire accident at around 7:30, I heard a loud blast and saw fumes emissions from the cars. This is a disastrous day. Goverment should implement immediate stop policy.
Abbas
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:33

It was unfortunate to see the large number of accidents which occured this morning on Abu Dhabi - Dubai Road. Most of the drivers are crazy and they drive so fast that they are least bothered about their life and also others. I appeal to the people to drive safely, after all its our and others life. We need to understand this in the first place.
Shafeeq
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:32

It was the first time I drove to dubai alone today morning and what bad luck! I was planning to attend a lecture at 9.00 am in Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, but at 11.30 I got fed up and turned around at Seeh Al Shuaib and went back with destroyed nerves from the view I saw. Thank God that I returned back to my daughter.
Fatma M
Abu Dhabi,Egypt
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:31

The news in itself is painful. People were leaving for work and suddenly it happened. I suspect it was due to the mistake of the first person who may by not having the lights-on or having hazards-on. Also, some people drive their cars in high-speed and due to fog, it would not be possible to stop the car. We've to take lesson from this event and try to drive safely because our safety is within others safety.
Z.I. Siddiqui
DUBAI,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:31

I use Abudhabi-Dubai highway every day. Earlier I had the same experience of fog and I could see people driving even at around 160Kms/hr and that too on slow tracks when the visibility is very poor. Speed cameras are set at high limits as the motorists can pass on the cameras at 160Kms/Hr.This should be strictly controlled and more police patrolling may be initiated.
Suresh
Dubai,
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:30

Spare a thought for the police and other emergency services who have the unenviable job of cleaning up after someone else's stupidity and carelessness. That is a job nobody would want and the police do it well.
Rob
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:29

Unless and until some very severe punishments are given to the erring drivers, this menace will continue. Measures should include not letting only one person travelling in a personal car, alternate colored cars on a given day, heavy fines plus jail term for those 'criminals'.
Abdul
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:26

Driving 101 people. YOU DON'T USE YOUR BRIGHT LIGHTS IN FOGGY CONDITIONS!!! The brighter light refracts off of the mist, causing white out conditions. You are ALWAYS supposed to use your dimmer lights in fog. That's basic, basic driving knowledge.
Joan
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:25

I am travelling daily from abu dhabi to jebel ali for a year now and this is the first time I felt scared driving with heavy fog and almost zero visibility. But there some drivers still running in high speed and most of them are using hazard light. It is good that I made a good decision going back to abu dhabi after I heard the news of what happened in ghantoot border. Le'ts respect others in times like this or we will regret later on.
william
abu dhabi,philippines
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:25

I don't think there is need for any sympathy. If people decide not to use their common sense and act arrogant on roads, then this is their result of their own nonsense. This incident should be a lesson to all.
Mazhar
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:24

It was like death prowling on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway. The road from Shahama to Ghantoot lined with accident cars. Never seen such a sight in all my life. 15 years in UAE but this is the first time I have seen such a ghastly sight due to fog.
Jennifer
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:23

It's very dangerous to drive with hazard lights in case of poor visibility. The drivers behind will have no clue as to whether the person in front is turning left or right. I travel daily through the Dubai Alain road to Silicon Oasis. It's very common to see drivers of even heavy vehicles using the hazard lights and using full beam lights. Some of them do not leave sufficient gap from the other vehicles to make things more dangerous.
Sree
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:21

It was a real war scene, I reached the crash scene meanwhile the speedy cars around me were hitting the damaged cars. The police was there; no one paid any attention to give a warning signal to the coming cars, it was a disaster
mohamed
abu dhabi,
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:21

I belive the cause is the carelessness of the drivers and the early timing for jobs. May Allah protect all
Nahla
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:21

Dear Friends, Please drive carefully while driving. Do not put hazards
Shashi
Dubai,UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:16

I am working in Jabel Ali and staying at shahama. In the last ten years I have never seen and accident more major than today's. On the way we could see the ladies and kids were screaming -painful- the people should avoid overspeeding and hazard lights.
Nibu
Jabel Ali,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:16

Drivers here are more stupider than I thought.
Merline
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:16

Please make the speed limit 50/60 km so you can control your car
SUNIL ACHHPAL
dubai,U.A.E
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:16

Driving with the hazard light is very dangerous specially when peole change the lanes thinking that indicator is working and that leads to accident.
zafar
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:14

horrible
salma
duabi,uae
Posted: March 11, 2008, 13:14

I was on the way to Abu Dhabi with visibility dropping to 150 metres in some places. It was surprising to see come careless people people still barrelling along at 150 kmph!! The total pile-up on the other side of the road involved no less than 150 cars and buses and the place looked like an earthquake had passed.
Avikul
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 12:28

From past three years I have been travelling every working days from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. This morning was a real night mare and found horrifying incidentes. Knowing very well about poor visibity, every vehicle was very fast as usual and we witness several accident on this dark tuesday morning. No doubt all this accidents have happended because of over speeding inspite of bad light (lack of visibility). Finally, we appreciate that after Ghantoot, police diverted the traffic towards the forest area towards on Al Ain and Dubai road. In conculsion we should appeal to the drivers that when ever there is a poor visibility, to drive slowly with head lights on, but not with Hazord lights on i.e.Dipper/flashers on), Since the vehicle coming from behind cann't recognise the change of track and more over today accidents are cuased mainly all vehicles hitting from behind each other as they are unable stop because of wet road and poor visibility.
Ramu
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 12:26

I had a close escape from this horrific accident. In fact, I was one of the eye witnesses of the entire accident. I was on the fast track when i saw a person within 50m distance waving his hands to stop me or slow me down. I did not exactly get his message across. Less than 50m ahead, I could see a whole load of cars hit together and still being hit from behind by other drivers who could not apply brakes on time. Since I had no option, I took an immediate right turn to avoid hitting the herd of cars ahead. In a moments flash, i turned my steering without even turning to look if there were any cars towards my right. To my luck and Gods grace, my right track was clear at that moment of time and i applied hard brake and stopped on the extreme right side. It was a horrible site on my right to see cars continously speeding and bashing the cars. Due to the fog, my visiblity was much restricted. there were people and labourers on the road.
Shaheela
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 12:22

A terrible accident and I feel for all those involved but people MUST MUST MUST learn to slow down, leave sufficient space between cards and use their FOG lights and not their hazard lights.
Amanda
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 12:12

I've never ever seen such a horrible accident, actually it was not one accident, every 2 or 3 miles there were cars pile up, people were shocked and stranded, some cars were on fire, I wish I had not seen such a tragedy.
Kamran
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 12:11

I just drove in from Dubai this morning and I believe there were over 100 cars in the pile up. At least 25 cars were on burnt in this accident .
Mervin
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 12:10

I was a witness to the horrific site of accidents on ADH-DXB highway. I was travelling from DXB to ADH and I saw more than 150 cars badly damaged on the road. At least 20+ cars were burnt and there were 2 fire engines dousing the flames. Traffic was at a standstill.
Kapil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 12:09

I passed the accident this morning when the cars caught fire. But to my amazement the cars where still travelling in excess of 100km/h. In both directions. This caused all the untold accidents further up the highway. You could not see 10 feet infront of your car but still the people where increasing their speed.
Alisdair
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 12:08

One of the worst fogs in my 33 yrs stay in UAE. I can say its people mistake, knowing the visibility is very bad, but still they want drive like rally race. We came back half of the way from drive to Dubai. Police and other associates were trying their best without much choice. One can make out from wreckage the speed people must be driving. For God sake learn at least from todays accidents, drive carefully.
Ranjan
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 11, 2008, 11:59