Bahraini boy back home, but will not be able to attend school soon

SHARJAH — The four-year-old Bahraini boy, Suliman Shakir Al Ziyati, who was critically injured after falling from the first level of the Sharjah International Airport early this month, will not be able to attend school for the next few months.

Afkar Ali Ahmed

Published: Wed 14 Feb 2007, 9:43 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 2:31 AM

The boy’s father, Shakir Al Ziyati, told Khaleej Times that he felt happy that his son was back home after getting discharged from Al Qasimi Hospital on Sunday. But he is also worried about the fact that the boy won’t be able to attend school for quite some time.

Suliman was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital with multiple fractures on the head and face. He was discharged only after his health condition became stable, but he will remain confined to his bed for several months, the father said. Shakir feared that the child might require better medical attention for which he might have to travel abroad with his child.

He also expressed his discontent regarding the formation of a special committee by the Department of Civil Aviation and Sharjah Airport Authority to investigate the case. “The case is very clear and the authorities have already made their statements to the local newspapers apologising for the incident.”

He complained that the committee was formed five days after the accident when it should have been formed on the same day, especially since the accident is the second one to have taken place at the same place. He said he had demanded that a neutral committee be set up to prepare a report based on facts.

He also alleged that members of committee formed by the airport authority have not yet contacted the child’s mother to enquire about what exactly caused the accident.

“I have demanded compensation on behalf of my son as this is his legal right, especially because he could face disability risk in the future,” said Shakir.

Earlier, in a Press statement, an airport spokesperson said, “The Department of Civil Aviation and the Sharjah Airport Authority are very sorry for this accident. We are, however, doing our best to extend all possible help to the boy and his family.”

The officials had also mentioned that they were in touch with the child’s family to provide all possible assistance.

The four-year-old fell through an unlocked door on the first level of the airport premises where maintenance work was being carried out. The incident occurred while the boy’s mother was busy completing immigration formalities after arriving in the country from Manama.