One year on, Dubai still shudders at memory of bus crash that killed 17

It was exactly one year ago that an extended Eid Al Fitr break turned tragic after a bus crash in Dubai claimed 17 lives. The Oman-registered bus was transporting 30 passengers from Muscat to Dubai on June 6, 2019, when it crashed into a height restriction barrier - minutes before it was to reach its destination.

When and where did the accident happen?

The tragic mishap occurred around 5.40pm on June 6, 2019, at Al Rashidiya exit on the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road. The driver took a wrong lane that leads to a car park instead of sticking to one of two lanes reserved for heavy vehicles.

How did the accident happen?

According to police and court records, the driver had placed a sunshade on the windshield, which blocked his view of the road. The accident site is a four-lane road that leads to the entrance of Al Rashidiya Metro station. Two lanes are for buses and taxis, while the other two are for cars. There were warning signals 342 metres from the crash site, indicating the right lanes and height requirements for all vehicles. Technical reports showed the driver drove the bus on the second lane from the left - which is meant for cars. He was driving at more than double the speed limit. Although he had driven on the road multiple times, the driver failed to follow the signs and stick to the designated bus lane. He was driving at 94kmph on the road that has a limit of 40kmph, due to which the height restriction barrier tore through the right side of the bus.  

Fifteen passengers died on the spot, while two other succumbed to injuries at the hospital.