Tyre blowout led to collision

A tyre blowout resulted in a two vehicle collision, killing eight people and increasing the Salalah road death toll to 24 in just eight weeks.

Of the eight casualties, six were Omani citizens, while two were Yemeni nationals, according to ROP. A preliminary investigation by ROP revealed that the accident was caused by a tyre burst.

The police also released emergency contacts last month for six towns along the Salalah road after many people died on the road.

The towns go as far as Adam, which is located 176 kilometres from Muscat, all the way to Thumrait, the last major city before the Dhofari capital of Salalah. “For every Khareef (monsoon) season that begins in Dhofar, the only road that leads to Salalah is a little dangerous,” said a police spokesperson.

“We are providing assistance to those who drive to Salalah. Anybody can drive to Salalah, and so there needs to be some sort of assistance. It’s the tourist season, the number of people travelling will naturally be higher, and there should be immediate assistance if necessary.”

“There are five to six routes to Thumrait,” he added. “These six routes fall under the jurisdiction of the emergency vehicles and the police, while another four are under Civil Defence and Ambulance services. They also have air support through a helicopter that is on standby,” the spokesperson added.