'Shocked' UAE expat jumps into sea after car crash

Abu Dhabi - Police has also released a cartoon demonstrating how the police officer rescued the motorist.

A gritty traffic police officer saved a motorist from drowning when the man threw himself into the sea after being traumatised by a car crash that happened minutes back.
The Abu Dhabi Police said on Saturday that the incident occurred a few weeks back after two cars collided on a road near the sea in the Capital. Police have released a sketch demonstrating how the cop rescued the motorist.
On surviving the accident and after getting out of the car, the Asian driver, who was apparently not aware of his actions due to the sudden mental shock, jumped into the sea, according to the police.
The traffic police patrols rushed to the scene after being informed about the crash.
"On reaching the site, people told the police team that one of the drivers had thrown himself into the sea," said police.
"First Assistant, Rashed Salem Al Shehhi, from the traffic control department, immediately dived into the water to save the Asian man."
And within minutes, he managed to pull the motorist, who was unconscious as he had nearly drowned, out of the water. The driver was rushed to the hospital in a critical state.
"The man remained unconscious for 10 days due to the huge psychological trauma and fatigue he endured while using a lot of energy in fighting the waves and in putting up resistance during the dangerous rescue operation by the officer," Al Shehhi said.
The driver has regained consciousness and his health has improved now.
Al Shehhi, who also received treatment in the hospital for fatigue, has been praised for his brave act.
The cop said: "A police officer's duty is to protect human lives." He expressed pride in being able to carry out his duty while providing assistance to those in emergency situations who require immediate intervention.
Al Shehhi also lauded the efforts of the two Asian men who were present at the accident site and promptly reacted to help save the driver from drowning.   

ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi