Cyclist dies as speeding truck runs him over in UAE

The victim sustained grave injuries and fractures all over his body.

A 41-year-old Asian cyclist died after a speeding truck knocked him down at an internal market in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The accident was reported around 9 am on Wednesday, said Col Waleed Kanfash, chief of the Maamura police station. 
On being alerted, the central operations room of the Ras Al Khaimah Police immediately dispatched a traffic patrol, an ambulance, paramedics, and rescue teams to the site. 
"Initial enactment of the accident showed that the victim was pedalling in front of a heavy truck driven by a 34-year-old Asian motorist." 
The erring driver tried to turn to another road, but ran over the cyclist, he added. 
"The victim sustained grave injuries and fractures all over his body. He bled profusely and died on the spot due to the massive impact of the heavy vehicle." 
The man's body was shifted to the morgue of a hospital for burial by relatives, while the accident file was referred to the bodies concerned for legal action, Col Kanfash underlined. 
He urged all motorists to strictly observe traffic rules and regulations, and be more careful while driving on internal roads and in markets. 
"Pedestrians and cyclists are also requested to follow the rules of safe riding, and never overtake vehicles or obstruct traffic flow." 
Recently, the police confiscated a huge number of bicycles as their riders were found flouting safety norms. 
"The crackdown came as part of the strategic plan of the ministry of interior to ensure road safety and deter road-users from breaching traffic rules." 
All cyclists who violated regulations by driving without wearing safety helmet and fluorescent jackets have had their bikes seized, he disclosed. 
 
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Ras Al Khaimah