At least nine people have died and dozens more have been injured following a bus accident in United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Khor Fakkan on Sunday evening. The bus, carrying 83 workers, mostly Asians—including those from India—overturned at Wadi Wishi Square, located at the entrance to the city. Preliminary investigations suggest that a brake failure caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, though it is not yet confirmed whether any of the deceased are Indian nationals.

Swift Response and Medical Efforts

Sharjah Police responded promptly to the incident, deploying specialized teams, including police, civil defence, and national ambulance units. These teams quickly arrived at the scene to administer first aid and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. Some of the victims remain in critical condition, suffering from serious injuries such as broken bones.

Details of the Victims and Their Background

It is learnt that the workers were employed by a company based in Ajman. Social workers have confirmed that the majority of those involved in the accident were returning from a trip to the company's headquarters. Hospital staff described the situation as an "all hands on deck" operation, with some medical staff being called back from leave to assist in treating the injured. The hospital was overwhelmed by the number of casualties, prompting it to open emergency and quarantine wings. Some patients were transferred to Khalifa Hospital in Fujairah due to the severity of their injuries.

Repatriation and Investigation Ongoing

While many of the survivors are still in shock, struggling to recall the details of the accident, the process of repatriating the bodies of the deceased is ongoing, pending necessary formalities. Authorities are trying to identify the nationalities of the deceased. Initial investigations suggest that the brake failure caused the bus to overturn, and the investigation is still underway.

Growing Road Safety Concerns

This tragic incident adds to a growing list of fatal accidents in the region. Notably, a 2019 bus crash killed eight people, and another later that year claimed the lives of 17 when a bus collided with a road barrier. Sharjah Police have urged road users to adhere to traffic laws and safety standards to prevent further tragedies.