In a tragic incident in the UAE, a fourth sibling has passed away in hospital from injuries sustained in a car crash that previously claimed the lives of three of their brothers.
UAE: Fourth sibling dies in hospital following car crash that killed three brothers.
A tragic incident unfolded over the past weekend in Abu Dhabi, where a seven-year-old boy lost his life after being hospitalized due to injuries sustained in a serious car accident. This devastating event follows an earlier crash involving his family, which claimed the lives of three of his brothers and the family’s housemaid. The boy had been admitted to the hospital on Saturday after suffering critical injuries in the accident, but despite the efforts of medical staff, he passed away on Monday evening, adding to the family’s unimaginable grief.
A social worker familiar with the family, who spoke to Insider 18, shared details of the boy’s critical condition and the heartbreaking update on his passing. “The child had been in intensive care since the accident,” the social worker said. “We had already obtained special permission to bury the three brothers here in the UAE. We were in the process of finalizing the necessary paperwork when I received word from the family that the youngest child had also died. We are now trying to expedite all procedures so that the four brothers can be laid to rest together, allowing the family some solace during this devastating time.”
Funeral prayers for all four siblings are scheduled to take place today at Al Qusais Cemetery Mosque, following Dhuhr prayers at 12:24 pm. The coordination of the funeral, particularly in a case where multiple children have died in the same family, is an especially sensitive matter. Local authorities, in conjunction with social workers and community representatives, are working to ensure the process is handled respectfully and efficiently, offering the grieving parents support and assistance during this difficult time.
The car accident occurred early on Saturday morning while the family and their housemaid were returning to their home in Dubai from a trip to Liwa. According to the social worker, the accident took place around 4 am. The vehicle was reportedly involved in a high-impact collision, resulting in the immediate deaths of three brothers, aged 14, 12, and 5, along with the family’s housemaid. The parents and two surviving children—a daughter aged 10 and the seven-year-old son—were taken to the hospital following the accident. Tragically, despite medical intervention, the youngest boy could not recover from his injuries, compounding the family’s loss.
The family, originally from the southern Indian state of Kerala, had been residing in the UAE for several years. Their children were enrolled at Arab Unity School in Dubai, a private institution known for its diverse student body and supportive community. The accident has sent shockwaves through the school, with staff, students, and parents expressing profound sadness at the sudden and devastating loss. Mark Pollitt, the principal of Arab Unity School, issued a statement expressing deep sorrow. “We are heartbroken by the loss of these young lives,” Pollitt said. “Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with the family as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy. Arab Unity School is a close-knit community, and in moments like this, it is vital for us to come together, support one another, and offer comfort to those most affected.”
The school took swift action to ensure students were informed about the incident in a sensitive and supportive manner. Teachers personally visited classrooms to speak to students about the accident, helping them process the news and offering counseling where necessary. Parents also received formal notifications via email, detailing the situation and providing guidance on how to support children emotionally during this difficult time. Several parents reported seeing both students and teachers visibly upset and in tears, highlighting the profound emotional impact the loss has had on the school community.
Beyond the immediate school environment, the accident has resonated deeply with the wider local and expatriate community. Friends, neighbors, and community members have expressed condolences and offered support to the grieving family. Social workers and community volunteers have been actively involved in assisting the family with arrangements, including hospital visits, administrative procedures, and the coordination of the funeral. In cases involving multiple deaths in a single family, especially children, the emotional, psychological, and logistical support required can be overwhelming, making community involvement essential.
The circumstances of the crash, occurring in the early hours of the morning while the family was returning from a road trip, serve as a reminder of the risks associated with road travel. While details of the accident’s cause have not been fully disclosed, authorities typically conduct thorough investigations to determine contributing factors, including road conditions, vehicle safety, and driver circumstances. The outcome of such investigations not only provides closure to the family but may also inform safety measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
For the parents, the loss of four children in a single incident is an almost incomprehensible tragedy. Coping with the immediate aftermath involves not only managing grief but also navigating administrative and legal requirements, including obtaining permissions for burial and coordinating with hospitals and religious authorities. According to the social worker, special permissions were required to conduct the funerals locally, underscoring the complexity of managing such a sensitive situation. Ensuring that the brothers are buried together provides a measure of comfort and unity for the family during this incredibly difficult period.
The broader community, including religious organizations, local councils, and expatriate support groups, has rallied to provide assistance. Counseling services and grief support programs have been made available to the family and affected students. Experts emphasize that communal support is critical in helping families cope with sudden, multiple losses, particularly when young children are involved.
The Arab Unity School has also announced that additional support will be available for students, including access to professional counselors and structured discussions to help children process their feelings. Pollitt emphasized that the school community must act as a source of stability and care in the wake of such events. “It is crucial for the children, parents, and staff to feel supported and understood,” he said. “We are committed to offering guidance, care, and emotional support as we all navigate the shock and grief of this tragic loss.”
The incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by expatriate families living far from extended family networks, particularly in times of crisis. While living abroad provides opportunities, it also places additional pressure on families to manage emergencies and grief with limited immediate familial support. In such situations, community networks, schools, and social services play a critical role in offering assistance and creating an environment where grief can be expressed and managed safely.
As the funeral arrangements proceed, the family and community prepare to come together to honor the memory of the four young boys and the housemaid. Authorities and social workers are coordinating closely to ensure that the ceremony proceeds smoothly, providing a space for mourning, reflection, and support for the grieving parents. By holding the funeral for all four brothers simultaneously, the family can find some measure of solace and closure in the face of an otherwise unimaginable tragedy.
The impact of this accident will likely be felt for a long time, not only by the immediate family but also by the wider school community, neighbors, and local residents. The Arab Unity School, in particular, is focused on fostering a compassionate environment where students can process their emotions, receive counseling, and support one another during this difficult time. Parents, too, are coming together to support one another, reflecting the strength and resilience of the community in the face of devastating loss.
In summary, the weekend car crash in Abu Dhabi has resulted in the death of four siblings, aged between five and fourteen, as well as their housemaid, leaving a grieving family and a shocked community. The seven-year-old boy’s death in the hospital on Monday evening marks the final, tragic chapter in this heartbreaking series of events. The Arab Unity School, social workers, and community members are rallying to provide support, guidance, and comfort, ensuring that the family is not left to cope with this overwhelming loss alone. The funeral of the four brothers will be held today, providing a final opportunity for the community to come together in mourning and solidarity.
