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Five die in road crash in Dubai

DUBAI - Four members of a family and their friend died in an accident in Al Garhoud yesterday.

Police sources said the accident happened at 8am when the four-wheel drive, driven by the family friend, hit a lamppost on the Al Rashidiyah road. The victims, all from Kerala, died on the spot. The victims' bodies were taken to Rashid Hospital where they were examined by doctors and sent for forensic report.

A friend of the victims shocked to learn of the tragedy, said: "The family was on their way to Al Ghusais to join a group of other friends and set out on a picnic. "I met them at St Mary's Church for the 7.30 mass. They were cheerful and had plans to spend the day with friends," he said.

Peter Bernabas, 50, and his wife Sheela, 45, worked in Dubai. Peter worked for the Civic Design Company while his wife worked for Dulsco. Their two children, six-year-old boy Shebin and 10-year-old girl Shaberna, studied at the Varkey International Private School and were excited about the long Eid holidays.

The vehicle was a company car and was being driven by P. S. Scariah, who is Lay minister at St Mary's Church in Dubai.

"We have already informed Scariah's two sons living in Kerala about the tragic death of their father," the friend said.

He said they plan to send the victims' bodies to Kerala for their last rites.

The paper work is under way. But since it is a long Eid holidays we hope the formalities get completed soon and the bodies can be flown to Kerala, the friend said.

• UAE