Nine dead and five injured in accidents across the UAE during Eid

The accidents were caused by tailgating, running red lights and sudden swerving.

Abu Dhabi Police air wing was busy responding to road injuries over the Eid break. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Police
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ABU DHABI // Nine people died and five were injured in almost 2,000 car accidents across the country during Eid Al Fitr.

In the capital, five people were killed and five seriously injured in 23 traffic accidents over the three-day holiday.

The accidents were caused by tailgating, driving though red lights, sudden swerving and motorists not keeping to their lanes, said Mohammed Al Humairi, head of the Abu Dhabi traffic police.

Some motorists were also found to be not wearing seat belts.

A man injured in a traffic accident in a remote area of Al Ain had to be flown to Tawam Hospital by the Abu Dhabi Police air wing.

The air wing also responded to to an accident on a street in Abu Dhabi in which a woman was injured and had to be taken to Mafraq Hospital.

An air unit was also called to Dalma Island to provide first aid, then fly a sick child in need of urgent care to Sheikh Khalifa Medical Centre in the capital.

In Ras Al Khaimah, police responded to 570 car accidents over the Eid break, with three of the incidents described as major.

Four people died and three were severely injured. Excessive speed and reckless driving were the main causes of the accidents, police said.

“Carelessness of motorists and not paying attention to the road are the major factors in these tragic accidents,” said Brig Mohammed Al Humaidi, director general of central operations.

“The operation room received 3,008 reports about car accidents, calls for help and various inquiries.”

Brig Al Humaidi said more police patrols helped to control traffic and contributed to their fast response time.

In Dubai, 1,300 traffic accidents took place during the same period, but no major injuries were reported.

Police received more than 15,000 phone calls, said Maj Gen Ahmed Aqeel, acting director of the Dubai Police Command and Control Centre.

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