Increase in cases of children falling from buildings

Abu Dhabi: Statistics released by Abu Dhabi Police for 2008 point to a rise in the number of accidents involving children falling from buildings.

More than 9 children have died and 23 others have sustained serious injuries after falling from buildings in the capital until September this year.

The figures mark an increase in the number of fatalities from last year, when 7 children died and 38 had been injured.

Every year, hundreds of children are reported injured in such disturbing incidents and the statistics continue to be a cause for concern.

Advice

Speaking to Gulf News, a police official said: "The total number of children who died after falling off buildings has increased from 7 last year to 9 cases until September this year. Families must give serious thought to the safety of children, especially because studies have shown that most accidents take place due to parental neglect," he said.

According to officials, 13 per cent of all fatalities reported between 2000 and 2005 involving falls from buildings were children, which is more than figures recorded in countries such as the UK and Sweden. "Increasing child deaths are a disturbing trend," the official said.

Awareness campaign

The past few years have seen a constant increase in child injuries with at least 6,146 children involved in various accidents (such as drowning, suffocation, poisoning, etc.) between 2001 and 2007.

Last year alone, 21 children died in various accidents and 1,641 were injured. According to a study conducted in connection with the campaign, Arab children were found to be the most accident-prone. While 40 per cent of those injured were found to be Arab children, 34 per cent were UAE nationals, 12 per cent were Asians and 10 per cent belonged to Western communities.

Statistics: Painful figures

• 2007: Number of children who fell off buildings - 45
• Children injured in accidents at parks, playgrounds etc - 183
• Number of children who died - 7 2008 (till September)
• Number of children who fell off buildings - 32
• Children injured in accidents at parks, playgrounds etc - 86
• Number of children who died - 9
• Number of children injured in accidents in 2001 - 81

Source: Abu Dhabi Police