SHARJAH – A family reunion for an Indian expatriate in the UAE has turned to heartbreak after his visiting toddler son died in a car accident in Sharjah on Wednesday evening. The child, just 22 months old, was the only son of the couple from Kerala, India.
The boy, identified as Alan Rumi, was with his mother, Safna, outside their apartment building at the time of the incident. His father, Sherafudheen, confirmed the tragic loss to authorities. The family’s visit, meant to be a joyous time together, has ended in unimaginable grief.
A Moment Turned to Tragedy
According to reports, family members said the incident happened in a fleeting moment. While the mother was briefly occupied disposing of trash in a nearby bin, the child darted away from her side and onto the road. A neighbor who was driving in the area was unable to stop in time, and the vehicle struck the child.
The toddler was immediately taken to a nearby private hospital. Due to the severity of his internal injuries, he was then transferred to a government hospital for advanced care. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he could not be saved.
Community in Mourning
The heartbreaking news has deeply affected the local community. Following the completion of all legal and administrative procedures, the child was laid to rest at Al Qusais Cemetery in Dubai on Thursday. A family friend confirmed that the devastated parents have since flown back to India.
Sharjah Police have taken the driver involved in the accident into custody for further investigation. Authorities have also issued a renewed call for both parents and motorists to exercise extreme caution to prevent such devastating accidents. The incident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly a normal day can turn into a tragedy, particularly for families with young children.