A heartbreaking traffic incident in Umm Al Quwain has resulted in the death of a 10-year-old child, reigniting urgent conversations about road safety and the regulation of electric scooters. The tragedy occurred on King Faisal Street late Thursday evening, leaving a community in mourning and authorities urging greater caution.
According to reports from the Umm Al Quwain Police, the accident took place around 10:00 PM. The young boy was riding an electric scooter when he was struck by a vehicle. Police operations received an emergency call shortly after the collision, indicating that a child had suffered severe injuries.
Incident
Emergency response teams, including traffic patrols and the National Ambulance, arrived quickly at the scene. They found the boy in critical condition and immediately transported him to a nearby hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the child succumbed to his injuries.
Initial investigations by the Traffic and Patrols Department suggest the following circumstances:
- The child was reportedly riding against the flow of traffic.
- The driver of the vehicle involved, an Asian national, was moving at a slow speed while attempting to park.
- The driver has been taken into custody for routine questioning as investigations continue.
Family Insights and Sorrow
Family members have shared devastating details about the moments leading up to the accident. It is understood that the boy, who comes from a family of five siblings, had taken his elder brother’s electric scooter without his parents’ knowledge while the family was eating dinner.
A relative clarified that the fatal injury was not caused directly by the impact with the car, which was moving slowly at the time. Instead, the force of the collision threw the young boy onto the pavement, causing severe head trauma and internal bleeding that proved fatal.
A Wake-Up Call for Safety
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with personal mobility devices, particularly for young children. As e-scooters become a common sight across the UAE, authorities frequently emphasize the importance of adhering to safety regulations.
While specific laws vary by emirate, general safety guidelines for e-scooter usage include:
- Age Restrictions: Ensuring riders meet the minimum age requirements.
- Protective Gear: The mandatory use of helmets and reflective vests.
- Designated Zones: Riding only in permitted areas and bike lanes, never against traffic flow.
- Parental Supervision: Strict monitoring of children to prevent unauthorized use of vehicles.
The Umm Al Quwain Police have confirmed that investigations remain ongoing to determine the precise cause of the accident. Meanwhile, the community is