13-year-old driver injured in UAE accident dies in hospital

Ras Al Khaimah - The boy lost control over the steering wheel while driving on an unpaved and unlit road.

A 13-year-old Emirati boy, who was receiving treatment in a hospital after the vehicle he was driving overturned, succumbed to his injuries in a hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, the police have said.

In the accident that took place in Al Gheil area of Ras Al Khaimah on October 29, a 12-year-old boy was declared dead on the spot while an 11-year-old escaped with minor injuries. The 4X4 vehicle driven by the 13-year-old unlicensed driver was totally damaged, according to Brigadier Mohammed Saaed Al Humaidi, Director-General of the Central Operations at the RAK Police.

“The boy lost control over the steering wheel while driving on an unpaved and unlit road,” he added.

Police patrols, ambulance, paramedics and rescue teams rushed to the scene. The 12-year-old lost his life on the spot, while the driver was admitted to the intensive care unit for 11 days.

The police have been conducting campaigns across the emirate against unlicensed driving by teenagers, mostly students. Late in April 2019, Brigadier Ahmad Al Sam Al Naqbi, director of the traffic and patrols department, RAK police, said 580 road accidents were blamed on unlicensed drivers, most of whom were teenagers.

“As per Article 51 of the federal traffic law, a jail term of not less than three months and or a fine of minimum Dh5,000 shall be slapped on any one found guilty of driving a vehicle without a licence.”

reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah