3 killed as minibus rams truck in Dubai

Three people were killed and eight injured when a minibus and truck collided on Emirates Road, an official said yesterday.

Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, director of the Traffic Department in Dubai Police, said the accident occurred at 1pm before the Maleha Exit towards Sharjah.

“Initial reports revealed that the collision occurred due to not leaving a safe distance between vehicles; the vehicle crashed into the back of the truck. Three people [are] killed, two seriously injured and six suffered moderate injuries,” Brigadier Al Mazroui said.

An ambulance and police rescue patrols were dispatched to the scene and the victims taken to Rashid Hospital.

Brigadier Al Mazroui advised all drivers to be careful on the highways and maintain a safe distance between the vehicles.

76 killed this year

During the first half of this year, 76 people were killed and 884 injured in 1,250 major traffic accidents.

Last year, the Federal Traffic Council issued a recommendation to stop renewing the registration of minibuses for passenger transportation and only allow them to transport goods.

During the first eight months of the year, about 51 accidents occurred due to minibus collisions, resulting in eight deaths and 107 people injured.