Indian workers among seven killed, nine injured after minibus collides with truck in Dubai: Details

At least seven people were killed, and nine others were injured, including Indian workers, in Dubai on Monday (local time) after a minibus collided with a truck that had stopped in the middle of the road, the authorities said.

In a post on X, the Indian Consulate in Dubai said, "Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Dubai that claimed the lives of several Indian workers."

The mission added that it is working closely with local authorities to provide all possible assistance and support and stated, "Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the grieving families during this difficult time."

Here's what we know

Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, said the preliminary investigation revealed that a truck had stopped suddenly in the middle of Emirates Road due to a technical fault. In a statement, he added, "The bus driver, who allegedly failed to pay attention and keep a safe distance, then rammed into the truck from behind."

"The accident resulted in seven fatalities and nine injuries, including five serious and four moderate injuries. All injured were transported to the hospital for treatment," he added.

Officials from the Indian mission visited the hospital and met the injured Indians. Brigadier Juma Salem said that experts from the Traffic Accident Investigation Section were dispatched to the scene to inspect it and gather precise evidence to determine the exact causes of the crash.

Salem added, "Traffic patrols regulated traffic flow, secured the site, and facilitated the access of rescue vehicles. Work teams also removed the damaged truck and bus to restore normal traffic flow."

After the crash, Brigadier Juma described stopping a vehicle in the middle of the road as one of the most hazardous traffic violations, warning that it can result in "severe accidents, fatalities, and serious injuries."

Dubai Police also noted that motorists who stop in the middle of the road face a fine of AED 1,000 and six black points on their licence. Additionally, a separate AED 500 penalty may be imposed for obstructing traffic under Article 98.

Omani authorities rescue Indian crew after fire

In a separate incident reported earlier today, Omani authorities rescued all 24 Indian crew members aboard the oil tanker MT Marivex after a fire incident on the Madagascar-flagged vessel, the Indian Embassy in Muscat said.

In a post on X, the embassy expressed gratitude to the Omani authorities for their prompt action in ensuring the safety of the Indian nationals.

"We are thankful to the Omani authorities for their swift response and rescue of all 24 crew members of Indian nationality onboard MT Marivex, and ensuring their safety," the Embassy of India added.

The rescue came hours after the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) confirmed a fire incident aboard MT Marivex south of the Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing an interministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Director in the Shipping Division, Opesh Kumar Sharma, said the fire was reported at around 1:30 pm today and added, "This is the preliminary information which we have received. Based on this, as per available information, all Indian seafarers are presently safe."

Sharma further stated that the ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian missions abroad, the Indian Navy, and the Ministry of Defence to ensure the safety of the crew.

The shipping ministry is in touch with the owners, Sharma stated, and added that they are trying to ascertain the facts.

(with agency inputs)