AL AIN // A mother and her 10-year-old daughter were injured when a police motorcycle struck them in a crosswalk, police said today.
The accident, which happened on Friday evening, left the 38-year-old Egyptian mother with moderate injuries to one hand, while her daughter suffered major spinal injuries, officials said.
According to the Al Ain Police, the woman and her child were crossing Sheikh Khalifa Street in the city centre as the light for pedestrians turned red. The motorcycle officer, who did not see them as he approached the crosswalk, struck them, police said.
The brother of the injured woman said the pedestrian light had been green when his sister and niece began to cross the street, but turned red before they made it all the way across.
Paramedics were immediately dispatched and rushed the mother and daughter to Al Ain Hospital. It is not known whether the police officer was hurt.
Community police officers have been to the hospital to visit with the family.
Maj Gen Mohammed Al Minhali, the director general of the Abu Dhabi Police, expressed regret at the incident and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He added that a traffic and pedestrian safety awareness campaign has been ongoing throughout the emirate and included the distribution of fliers in various languages.
"Accidents can happen anywhere and to anyone regardless of their occupation," he said. "Road safety and vigilance is everyone's responsibility."
ealghalib@thenational.ae
