MBC presenter injured in freak road accident

Dubai

Television presenter Shahd Ballan of Middle East Broadcasting Centre (MBC) in Dubai sustained serious injuries in a December 1 car accident en route to Abu Dhabi, a colleague said.

Ballan, 27, was travelling when a tyre was punctured and her driver pulled over to the side of the road. According to her colleague, as the driver was changing the tyre with the vehicle parked on the hard shoulder, when at least one of three cars, all allegedly speeding, crashed into the stationary car, killing the driver instantly and resulting in multiple fractures and internal injuries to Ballan.

According to an Arabic news website, Ballan was rushed to Rashid Hospital Trauma Centre and was conscious. Ballan reportedly underwent several surgeries and was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital.

The website further reported that Ballan was to undergo a few more surgeries once her condition stabilised.

Her colleague from MBC — who wanted to remain anonymous — told Gulf News: “Shahd is a co-presenter and although I did not know her too well, I pray for her quick recovery. She needs everyone’s prayers.”

Meanwhile, doctors treating Ballan at Rashid Hospital declined to comment on her condition.

Shahd, an alumni of the American University of Dubai, worked for state-run Dubai TV before moving to MBC channel 1 as a presenter and news reader in 2013.

Ballan is the niece of the popular Arabic singer Fahd Ballan and was born in the southern Syrian town of Suwaida,

There was no word yet from Abu Dhabi Police on whether the motorists involved will be charged in the death of Ballan’s driver.