UAE: Indian expat dies in accident while on the way to see 'Milky Way'

Abu Dhabi: An Indian expat died in an accident in Abu Dhabi on Friday night while he was on the way to Al Quaa, known as the ‘Milky Way Spot’ in Abu Dhabi, according to his family and friends.

Sarath Sasidharan, 36, was travelling with his friends on a stargazing trip when tragedy struck, his brother-in-law Lijin Raj told Gulf News.

The accident took place around 11pm, before they reached their camping destination, said Devadas MV, a colleague and friend of Sarath.

Hundreds of people head out to Al Quaa on weekends to experience stargazing in one of the UAE’s darkest locations, where the night sky lights up with the Milky Way, constellations, planets, and shooting stars.

Sarath had headed out to the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot along with four other friends, Devadas said.

Story of friendship

“We have been friends for over 10 years,” said Devadas, who was also Sarath’s roommate.

“We are five roommates. Three others are Sarath’s childhood friends. All of us are HSE (Health, Safety and Environmental) Officers who started working in the same company in 2014,” he said.

Though everyone else joined other companies later, Sarath remained in the same company and kept in touch with the friends.

“A year ago, all of us reunited in the same company and started staying together,” said Devadas.

He said the friends hang out over the weekends. “All have cars and licences and we take turns in using one of our cars and also for driving.”

However, Devadas could not join them on the Milky Way trip.

“Among the five in the car, two are his old friends and two of our friends from the neighbouring building.”

What happened

The accident reportedly happened as the car they were in skidded onto one side and rolled over.

Other people, who were camping, came to their rescue and called the ambulance.

“I reached there within an hour of learning about the incident,” said Devadas.

While the ambulance rushed the injured to the hospital, the police, who also rushed to the spot, began an investigation.

While Sarath died and some received minor injuries, the owner of the car, who is one of the two neighbours in the group, is still undergoing treatment in a hospital.

“He is out of danger and stable,” said Devadas.

Meanwhile, Lijin said Sarath’s family in the south Indian state of Kerala had been informed about the tragedy.

“They are all devastated. He has two young daughters. One is seven years old and the other is only four,” he said.

Lijin was still in a state of disbelief.

“He brought me here around two months ago, and I am also an HSE officer. My visa is still under process as I got a job only two weeks ago. I cannot believe he is gone and I can’t even take his body home. One of his cousins will be accompanying his body,” he said.

The legal procedures for repatriating the mortal remains of Sarath have been completed and he is scheduled to be flown home on Monday night.