18-year-old Emirati killed in Al Ain accident

Al AIn: An 18-year old Emirati died instantly and another was critically injured in an accident in Al Ain's Industrial Area (Sanaiya) when the driver lost control of an overspeeding four-wheel drive on Saturday.

Both the occupants of the car did not have driving licences and the police do not know who was driving the vehicle.

Unlicensed Emirati drives have caused a number of accidents recently and police have asked parents to keep their cars' keys out of their children's reach.

"This is highly unfortunate as parents' carelessness has been costing them the lives of their beloved children," said Lieutenant Colonel Khalifa Mohammad Al Khaili, Director of Al Ain Traffic Police Department.

He said untrained drivers cannot control the vehicles in emergencies and easily lose their nerves, resulting in catastrophic accidents.

"Driving without a license is a serious offence and people caught involved in it would be dealt with in accordance with the law," he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Al Khaili also warned parents not to be lenient in allowing their children to drive without a licence, adding that they must be vigilant especially during the forthcoming summer vacation in order to avoid disastrous consequences.

The youngster who lost his life in the accident has been identified as H.T.M. He was accompanied by a 19-year old Emirati, N.P.G., who is fighting for his life at the intensive care unit of Al Ain Hospital. He is in a coma and doctors have been trying to save his life, a police official said.

The two youngsters were riding in a Land Cruiser and the driver abruptly changed lanes to his right. He lost the control of the steering wheel of the car and hit the roadside barriers.

The car, which was travelling at very high speeds, was dragged along the metal and concrete barriers for around 25 feet before halting, he said.