27-yr-old loses memory in accident that killed his brother
umm al quwain — Suffering from apparent amnesia, Sajeer Kolathamkuyil (27) has been repeatedly asking relatives and doctors about his 32-year-old brother Sajjid, who died after the siblings from Kerala met with a horrific road accident on August 14 near the Umm Al Quwain exit 90. Sajeer sustained severe head injuries, including a fracture and profuse bleeding. He has no recollection of the accident.
His kin have chosen not to tell him that his elder brother is no more, in the fear that “the shock” could deteriorate his mental condition.
How the tragedy happened
Kozhikode-natives Sajid and Sajeer were driving on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Road to deliver vegetables when another vehicle suddenly overtook theirs.
Sajid, who was driving the vehicle, lost control and veered off the road. “The vehicle flipped over and the impact of the accident killed Sajid on the spot,” their relative Siraj Ahmed, a shipping professional, told Khaleej Times. Sajid’s mortal remains were repatriated to their hometown in Kerala on August 16.
Sajeer suffered severe head injuries and was admitted in an unconscious state at the Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital in Umm Al Quwain, where he underwent a series of surgeries due to swelling and haemorrhage. He regained consciousness after four days and can’t recall the accident. “Sajeer has been asking for his brother for the last couple of days, but we’re not able to tell him anything because it could shock him,” said Abdul Salam Naamath Abdullah, the brothers’ brother-in-law, who works as a driver in UAQ.
Sajid worked in UAQ as a driver for 12 years before returning to India in 2017 in search of new job prospects. Sajeer came to the UAE three years ago and hadn’t returned since.
Tragedy strikes family twice
Two years ago, the family had suffered a trauma as the brothers’ father Pocker Kolathamkuyil, who lived and worked in the UAE for
Sajeer Kolathamkuyil at the hospital. —
several years, also passed away at the Sheikh Rashid Hospital in Dubai. He was diagnosed with brain tumour. “Sajid was the one who took his father’s body back home. It was heartbreaking to take Sajid’s body in a box two years later,” said an inconsolably-weeping Salam.
Sajid had been married for five years but does not have any children. Sajeer is unmarried. They had set up a fruit and vegetable shop in Al Ramlah, UAQ around three months back. “The brothers were very excited as they were planning to run the business together. They worked very hard to open the shop, and Sajid was going to get a shop visa,” said Siraj.
Surgeries need money
Hospital authorities said fluids developed in Sajeer’s brain due to the impact of the accident were drained over the time, and the swelling has reduced. However, doctors pointed out that he needed to undergo more surgeries and treatments six weeks from now.
“We are told that the doctors are waiting for the fluid to drain from his head completely. He needs more surgeries. We are considering taking him back to India since we can’t keep him here,” added Siraj.
However, the treatments are costly and the family does not have that kind of income anymore, according to the relatives.
Salam added: “The brothers were the sole breadwinners in the family. Their mother was entirely dependent on them.”
Doctors are waiting for the fluid to drain from his head. He needs more surgeries. We are considering taking him back to India since we can’t keep him here.”
Siraj Ahmed, brother-in-law