Multiple crashes were reported this day, March 14, 2019, when UAE residents woke up to a thick blanket of fog that caused a series of road accidents, long tailbacks and disruption of flights in Dubai and Sharjah. 

As reported by Khaleej Times, a 38-year-old Emirati was killed in an accident in Ras Al Khaimah, and 10 others were injured in separate fog-related accidents.  

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said visibility dropped to 200 metres that day, affecting a wide area of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

14 March 2019: A pedestrian crosses the signal near Sharjah Immigration on a foggy morning, shrouded in mist in Sharjah.—KT PHOTO MUHAMMAD SAJJAD 

Ras Al Khaimah Police said the fatal accident – “caused by low visibility and inattentive driving” – took place at the Emirates Road roundabout at 6.15 am.

The Emirati driver was surprised by a truck ahead and could not stop from ramming into it, according to a senior police officer. He sustained severe injuries and fractures, particularly on the head, and bled excessively.

The 27-year-old Asian who was driving the truck, meanwhile, was on the correct lane and was driving as per the speed limit. But the Emirati motorist did not notice the truck at the roundabout due to heavy fog.

14 March 2019: Workers begin their day in the thick fog of a Dubai morning at Al Quoz, with visibility heavily reduced.—KT PHOTO BY SHIHAB 

Meanwhile, at least 10 people were injured as 68 vehicles collided in separate incidents on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Street in Abu Dhabi the same morning of March 14, 2019.

The accidents took place just before Ghantoot on Abu Dhabi-Dubai road and were caused due to fog and low visibility. 

Abu Dhabi Police, ambulance and civil defence rushed to the spot. The injured were taken to Mafraq and Al Rahba hospitals. 

The Command and Control Centre of Abu Dhabi Police received 205 traffic messages through the emergency number 999 in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra during the early hours of that morning.

The police urged motorists to exercise caution while driving and maintain safe distance between vehicles especially when visibility is low. They also asked the public to call 999 if they find any obstructions on the road. It is also very important to check latest weather updates before driving. 

14 March 2019: Residents enjoy a peaceful morning walk along Khalid Lagoon in Sharjah, as thick fog blankets the area.—PHOTO BY MUHAMMAD SAJJAD 

Another important reminder came from Ahmad Al Sam Al Naqbi, who was then director of the traffic and patrols department, RAK Police. He strongly advised drivers to reduce speed in foggy conditions. “The low light should also be turned on to signal other drivers and hazard lights should never be used unless there is an emergency,” he added.