Sharjah, RAK corniches are a driver's death trap

Speeding on the corniche roads of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah has turned into a death trap for motorists – with cars landing in the creek and drivers unable to get out in time.

In the latest accident, last Saturday, a 23-year-old Bangladeshi man died after his white Nissan Tida fell into the Creek opposite Khalid Port.

This road opposite Khalid Port in Sharjah has seen many such freak accidents.

In Ras Al Khaimah, Khor Al Muairid is the hot-spot for cars plunging into the water - four cases having been reported so far.

In the last cases, a Syrian and Yemeni national died at this spot after their vehicles went into the water.

According to Sharjah Police sources, the Bangladeshi youngster was driving at a very high speed and lost control of the vehicle.

Experts suggest that when a car plunges into water, normally the driver or passengers are trapped because their seat belt is on and the windows are closed, blocking the safety exit points even for people who can swim.

Immediately after a car plunges into water, there will be only one or two minutes left before it is fully under water.

Residents are now calling for more barricades, speed barriers and police patrols in the area.

Last month, a Filipino man died on the spot, after he lost control of his vehicle. The car fell into the Sharjah creek, near Khalid Port.

Some involved in accidents have been rescued by dhow workers in the area.

Among past casualties are a former president of the Indian Association of Sharjah.

About five years ago, 58-year old M K Madhavan, President of the Indian Association in Sharjah, died along with Mohan Lal Raghavan who was driving the car.

Three other occupants who were in the back seat were rescued by coast guards and workers on a dhow anchored in the creek.

“Earlier dhows and workers used to be omnipresent on the corniche side, but after they were shifted to the other side of the creek, there is no one to rescue people,” said another resident.

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