Family, friends pay tribute to UAE expat who died after saving wife

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Family, friends, pay, tribute, UAE expat, died, saving wife,
A relative of the family told Khaleej Times that they are trying to repatriate the body to Kerala this week.- Supplied photo

Dubai - Anil Ninan had suffered 90 per cent burns while saving his wife Neenu from the fire that broke out in their home.

By Anu Cinubal

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Published: Tue 18 Feb 2020, 6:39 PM

Last updated: Tue 18 Feb 2020, 7:45 PM

The body of a 32-year-old Indian man, who died on Sunday, February 16, after suffering critical burns last week while he tried to save his wife from a fire, will be repatriated to his hometown in Kerala this week, relatives told Khaleej Times.
Anil Ninan had suffered 90 per cent burns while saving his wife Neenu from the fire that broke out in their home in Umm Al Quwain. He received treatment in Abu Dhabi. Neenu also got injured, while the couple's son escaped without burns as he was sleeping in another room.
A relative of the family told Khaleej Times that they are trying to repatriate the body to Kerala this week.
"There are formalities to be completed. We hope that post-mortem would be conducted tomorrow as the Umm Al Quwain Police have issued clearance. We opened the flat today and collected his passport and other documents," said CA Thampy, a family member, on Monday, February 17.
Rev Sojan V. Thomas, vicar of St Thomas Mar Thoma Church in Ras Al Khaimah, said that on the day of the incident, there was an explosion in the corridor of the flat.
"He tried to save his wife but was caught in the flames himself. His neighbours, who tried to save them, also suffered burns. The cause of the fire is yet to be known as the authorities are conducting an investigation," he said.
Parents lost their only child
Anil's parents were with him at the hospital on Sunday at 7.45pm when he passed away. They arrived in the UAE two days ago after knowing about the accident.
"They are very shocked. Anil was their only child. They were in Kuwait for a long time and shifted back to Kerala just one month back," said Thampy, adding that Anil's parents couldn't even talk to him as his condition was really bad.
"All the family members are under shock now. He was so young and active. He was also very close to the family and dear to all of us."
Anil completed his schooling in Kuwait and then shifted to India. After working for a short term there, he moved to the UAE in 2012.
Initially, he worked in a boutique and then shifted to JF Hillebrand, a logistics firm in Dubai, almost six years ago.
His wife, who completed her education in the UAE, was working in Kochi while they got married. The couple then moved to the UAE.
"All of us were praying for his recovery. He was a very friendly and jovial person. He was like a brother to all his colleagues," said Ali, a co-worker at the company.
"We are very shocked. I don't have enough strength to talk about my dear friend and colleague. I'm still in the hospital," said another colleague.
Rev Sojan said Anil was always active in social and religious matters.
"For all the occasions, he used to participate wholeheartedly in the church activities. It's a huge loss to the community," he said.
An off-roader
"His main hobby was off-road trips. On most weekends, he would go out with family and friends for desert drives and camping. Even two weeks ago, we all went for an off-road trip and camping," said Ali.
Social media was also flooded with tributes to the 32-year-old.
"Anil Ninan, before you leave, the last trip you marked with success to your team.. May your soul rest in peace and your best half and all your family may have the strength to overcome the situation... Prayers...," said Monisha Moideen on her Facebook post after learning about the tragic news.
"The rides we went, campings we did, stories we discussed will be always close to our heart ..will miss you badly," Rejo Mammen Varghese, another friend of Anil, wrote on Facebook.
"In social media, Anil was active in off-road travellers' groups. Even during their vacation, the family used to travel a lot. They were a happy family," said Ali.
anuwarrier@khaleejtimes.com


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