Nine injured in 28-car pile-up in Dubai
dubai — As many as 28 vehicles were involved in a traffic accident on Emirates Road at 7.30am on Thursday, according to the Dubai Police, who cited dense fog and poor visibility as the reason for the crash. The accident caused congestion on the road towards Abu Dhabi.
The police patrols quickly intervened to prevent further collisions by sealing the accident site and redirecting vehicles and trucks to ease access for ambulances and rescue patrols, said Brigadier-General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, director-general of the general department of traffic of the Dubai Police.
“This period of the year usually
This period of the year usually witnesses heavy fog and the traffic department deploys patrols on external roads to deal with any emergencies.” Brig-Gen Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Dubai Police
witnesses heavy fog and the traffic department deploys patrols on external roads to deal with any emergencies. There is a need for drivers to be vigilant and abide by the necessary instructions,” said Brig-Gen Al Mazrouei.
He stressed the importance of reducing speed as the motorists may not have the opportunity to use the brakes in the absence of visibility — an error that may cost the drivers’ life. Lieutenant-Colonel Mohammed Abdullah Al Qaidi, director of the Bur Dubai traffic patrol department, and Ali Mohammed Al Badawi, head of the traffic control department of Bur Dubai, rushed to the accident scene to help the situation.
The fog also interrupted the smooth flow of traffic in various parts of the emirate, with 564 accidents reported. The control room of the Dubai Police also received 3,564 calls between 6am and 12pm.
Colonel Turki Abdul Rahman bin Fares, director of command and control room, urged all drivers to follow safety guidelines and ensure that roads are safe. “All road users should be careful, especially during fog. Motorists must ensure cleanliness and proper functioning of windshield and vehicle lights. Drivers should leave a safe distance between vehicles and abide by lane discipline and not change path except in emergency or necessity.”
He also stressed the importance of using all vehicles lights in the early morning hours and check weather updates to avoid serious traffic accidents.