Dubai bus crash: Death toll rises to 17, Omani bus operator suspends service

The death toll from a bus crash in Dubai has risen to 17, including 12 Indians, officials confirmed on Friday.

The accident took place when the bus, E05, crashed into a signboard on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road at the exit to the Rashidiya metro station on Thursday evening at 5.41pm. It was carrying 31 people on board, Dubai police said.

According to preliminary investigations, the Omani driver, in his 50s, took the road – which has a height restriction – because a makeshift curtain blocked his view. The bus crashed into the barrier, which was 2.2 metres high, causing the accident. The driver sustained moderate injuries and is in hospital, Dubai police said.

The Omani operator of the bus, Mwasalat, said that it was in discussion with authorities in Dubai regarding the accident.

“Our trips from Muscat and Dubai, and vice versa, will be suspended until further notice. This action has been taken after coordination with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai,” the company said in a statement on Twitter.

Second #Statement on the unfortunate road accident at Dubai pic.twitter.com/ZoZt7bYx0j

— مواصلات MWASALAT-عُمان (@mwasalat_om) June 7, 2019

While officials initially stated that 15 people were killed, the death toll later rose to 17. Apart from the Indian nationals, a Pakistani national is also among those killed. The identities of the other four deceased has not yet been revealed.

With great sadness we inform that Indian fatalities in Dubai bus accident has gone up to 12. Our officers are at Rashidiya police station and mortuary to extend all assistance. Our effort now is to get formalities completed soon so that mortal remains can be repatriated soon. pic.twitter.com/ai3mbesBDl

— vipul (@vipulifs) June 7, 2019

On Friday, Indian consul general Vipul confirmed that most formalities related to forensics and Dubai Police have been completed for 10 out of 12 Indians who passed away.

“Consulate team worked with local authorities and community volunteers whole day. Consulate formalities were done on the spot,” he said.

The formalities for the remaining two Indians is expected to be completed on Saturday.

“After this, with full documentation mortal remains will be sent for embalming & then to India,” he said.

3/3) Update: We hope that all mortal remains will be repatriated to India tomorrow and day after. Air India is providing all help. We would like to sincerely thank Dubai Police and all hospital authorities for their assistance.

— vipul (@vipulifs) June 7, 2019

Dubai police officials urged motorists to be extremely cautious when driving, since even a slight error can lead to terrible consequences.

سعادة القائد العام بعد حادث باص المواصلات يدعو السائقين للانتباه أثناء القيادة، ويضيف: "أحيانا يؤدي خطأ بسيط او إهمال أثناء قيادة المركبة الى عواقب وخيمة كما حدث مساء اليوم وأدى لوفاة ١٧ شخص من جنسيات مختلفة".

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) June 6, 2019