Passenger killed and 10 injured in RAK crash after bus driver fell asleep at wheel

Police have called for drivers to be allowed sufficient rest before travelling

One person died and 10 were injured after a minibus accident caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel. Courtesy: RAK Police

A passenger was killed and 10 others were injured in a road accident in Ras Al Khaimah after a minibus driver fell asleep at the wheel.

It is believed the vehicle flipped over on to its roof after veering across the motorway on Wednesday morning.

It is not known if the minibus hit another vehicle or an obstacle on the road.

Emergency services, including ambulances and a helicopter, raced to the scene at exit 122 of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road.

Brig Ahmed Al Naqbi, director of traffic at RAK Police, said 11 workers were on the bus, which belongs to a contracting company, at the time of the incident.

“One died, two were severely injured, five suffered from moderate injuries and three sustained minor injuries due to the accident,” Brig Al Naqbi said.

Investigations showed that the driver lost control of the bus after he fell asleep.

Brig Al Naqbi urged companies to ensure drivers are given sufficient rest before travelling and that all modes of transport meet safety standards.