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22 injured in 44-vehicle crash in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - The accident took place due to low visibility caused by fog.

Twenty-two people were injured in a pile-up crash that involved 44 vehicles on the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Street (Abu Dhabi-Dubai road) on Tuesday. The Abu Dhabi Police said the incident, which occurred at about 8.08am after the Kizad Bridge in Al Samha, was caused by the low-visibility due to the heavy fog that blanked parts of the emirate.

According to a statement issued by the police, two of the victims sustained serious injuries in the crash. Two others received moderate injuries, while 18 others sustained minor injuries.

The police have blamed the multi-car crash on the motorists' failure to leave sufficient distance between the vehicles, speeding and disregard for road conditions despite the foggy weather.

According to reports, the accident blocked traffic from Dubai on the E311 and cars remained in the traffic jam for some time before police cleared the way.

Brigadier Khalifa Mohammed Al Khaili, director of the traffic and patrols directorate, said quick response by traffic patrols and emergency vehicles helped in returning the road situation back to normal.

"The police had already put in place emergency plans for foggy conditions, including banning lorries and buses transporting workers from using roads during such conditions. Such vehicles were instead to wait until the roads became clear to ensure the safety of road users and avoid possible fatal accidents," said Brig Al Khaili.

He added that it's "absurd" that multi-car accidents were still occurring despite the police issuing daily warnings and alert messages about fog to drivers through their social media accounts.

After the morning incident, the police sent warning messages on social media, alerting drivers coming from Dubai and using the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road about the crash and the foggy conditions to avoid more accidents.

The police also guided motorists to use alternative routes and urged them to drive carefully, avoid speeding and to ensure that they leave sufficient safety distance between vehicles.

3 hurt in 2 crashes

In other fog related accidents, three people sustained minor and moderate injuries in two separate accidents in Al Ain after vehicles collided because of low visibility.

Colonel Ahmed Mohammed Al-Zuwaidi, director of the traffic department in Al Ain, said that the two incidents occurred at 8am. One of the crashes occurred in Al Ain city and involved five vehicles. The second accident took place on the city outskirts and involved six vehicles.

Police reports said that visibility on Tuesday morning had dropped to less than 80 metres.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com

08:39 - Multi car #Accident on E311 Shk Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Rd after Al Samha br inbound. Use alternative route @AbuDhabiDoT #uaetraffic
- Abu Dhabi Traffic (@ad_traffic) February 6, 2018

09:58 - Multi car #Accident on E311 Shk Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Rd after Al Samha br inbound. Traffic diverted to Al Samha bridge E11 Shk Maktoum Bin Rashid Rd @AbuDhabiDoT #uaetraffic
- Abu Dhabi Traffic (@ad_traffic) February 6, 2018

Tips to drive safely in foggy conditions

> Check weather conditions before leaving home

> Follow traffic instructions during foggy conditions

> Make sure that you leave enough distance in the car in front of you

> Avoid speeding

> Avoid overtaking or changing lanes

> Use fog lights and avoid using hazard lights