Five dead in Abu Dhabi car crash

Two vehicles were involved in the accident, officers say

Road accidents, such as this one in Abu Dhabi, are a major fctor in the number of trauma-related deaths in the emirate. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Police  

Five people died in a car crash in Abu Dhabi, police said on Tuesday.

An Emirati man, an Arab woman and three Asian men were killed in a two-vehicle collision in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi Police said.

The accident happened when the driver of one car joined the highway without checking what was behind them and collided with the second vehicle.

Officers said the three Asian men were in the car that caused the accident. It crashed into the other car, in which the two Emirati men and one Arab woman were riding.

Both vehicles caught fire following the collision.

One of the Emirati men survived and was taken to hospital. Police said the crash happened near Asab, an oil town about 200 kilometres south of Abu Dhabi city.

Police released no further details, other than giving a warning to drivers to pay attention at crossroads and when joining motorways.

Drivers must stick to the speed limit and avoid getting behind the wheel if tired, the police said.