Eight killed and six seriously hurt in Dubai bus crash

Eight people died and six others were injured in a horrific road crash involving a minibus and a heavy goods vehicle on one of Dubai's busiest traffic routes.

Dubai Police said the 14-passenger bus rammed into the lorry, which was stopped on the hard shoulder.

The minibus driver and seven passengers were declared dead at the scene.

Two passengers sustained serious injuries and four others had moderate injuries as a result of the collision.

The tragic incident occurred at 4.54am on Monday, close to City Centre Mirdif Mall on the way to Sharjah.

"Investigations are being carried out to determine the exact cause of the accident," said Colonel Faisal Al Qasim, director of security media at Dubai Police.

"Motorists should respect speed limits, avoid distractions and use indicators when changing lanes."

Khalifa bin Dray, executive director of Dubai Ambulance Service, said all the critically injured were taken to Rashid Hospital’s trauma centre.

The ambulance chief called on all drivers and road users to take caution, adhere to traffic rules and avoid speeding.

Of the eight deaths, seven are Indian nationals.

The Indian Consul General, Vipul, posted a message of support for those recovering in hospital on social media.

"We are sad to inform that seven Indians have passed away in a horrific bus accident in Dubai," he said.

"Seven Indians are also injured of which three are in a serious condition.

"Consulate officials are at Rashid Hospital to assist."

The National