The family says the mother, who lost all four of her sons in a tragic Abu Dhabi crash, is slowly recovering physically and emotionally after the devastating accident.
Mother who lost four sons in Abu Dhabi accident faces a long recovery journey, family says
A woman who lost all four of her sons in a devastating road accident in Abu Dhabi on January 3 is gradually beginning to recover, a close family member has said. R.R., who was travelling with her husband, daughter, four sons and their domestic helper when the crash occurred, has now returned home after being discharged from hospital and is trying to process the immense tragedy.
In the immediate aftermath of the accident, the family noticed worrying signs. “For several days, she was unable to cry, which frightened all of us,” the relative explained. “Earlier this week, when I visited her, one of our cousin’s sons was also there. He resembled one of her boys. She held him tightly and broke down in tears. That moment seemed to unlock something inside her.”
The relative added that the two then spent time alone, during which the grieving mother finally expressed her pain. “She had been holding herself together for her husband and the rest of the family,” she said. “I encouraged her to let her emotions out. I told her that mothers across the world were mourning with her. It brought her some comfort, but this is only the start of a very long healing journey.”
The tragic crash claimed the lives of three of the boys, aged between five and 14, along with the family’s maid at the scene. The fourth son succumbed to his injuries the following day in hospital. The funeral, held last week, drew a large crowd, with hundreds gathering to pay their respects.
The family had been on their way back from a short trip to Liwa, which the boys’ father later described as an unplanned outing. R.R. was informed of her sons’ deaths on the day of the funeral and was given the chance to see them one final time. Their father, who was also injured and hospitalised, requested early discharge so he could attend the burial, arriving in a wheelchair.
Breaking the news to her daughter
R.R. sustained serious injuries in the collision and underwent multiple surgeries before being released from hospital on Wednesday. Until her discharge, her 10-year-old daughter had been shielded from the truth and told that her brothers were still receiving treatment.
“Once she came home, R.R. felt it was time for her daughter to know,” the relative said. “The girl’s uncle took her out and gently explained what had happened. Later, the parents took her to the cemetery to show her where her brothers were laid to rest. She was heartbroken and cried uncontrollably.”
On the path to recovery
The family member said the mother’s physical condition has improved significantly. “She is now able to move around and walk,” she said. “Her hand is still in a cast, but the swelling on her face and the redness in her eyes have reduced considerably since the accident.”
For now, the family is staying with relatives and is preparing to travel to India in the coming weeks. “I suggested she change her phone number because the constant calls and messages have been overwhelming,” the relative added. “They need peace and privacy during this time. We always ask before visiting. My hope is that people will keep them in their prayers and respect their space as they grieve.”
Family members say emotional recovery will take far longer than physical healing. While R.R. is showing strength in small ways each day, moments of grief come unexpectedly. “Some days she is quiet and withdrawn, other days she asks about the boys as if they will walk in,” the relative said. The family has been taking turns staying close to her, ensuring she is never alone for long periods. Mental health professionals have advised patience, gentle routines and emotional support, emphasising that grief of this magnitude unfolds over months and even years, rather than weeks.
The tragedy has also deeply affected extended family members, many of whom are struggling to comprehend the scale of the loss. Relatives described a sense of disbelief that continues to linger. “It still doesn’t feel real,” one family member said. “Four young lives were taken in an instant.” Friends and community members have rallied around the family, offering prayers, meals and assistance, though the family has limited visits to protect R.R. from emotional exhaustion. The household remains quiet, with conversations often centred on memories of the boys and their distinct personalities.
Those close to the family said the surviving daughter has been surrounded with care and reassurance since learning the truth. She has remained close to her parents and relatives, often sleeping beside her mother at night. “She asks a lot of questions,” the relative shared. “We answer honestly, but gently.” Child psychologists have advised maintaining routine and stability to help her process the loss. School arrangements are being discussed carefully, with the family prioritising her emotional wellbeing before any return to normal activities.
As the family prepares to travel abroad, relatives say the change of environment may help provide some distance from constant reminders of the tragedy. “A quieter space might help her breathe,” the family member said. However, they acknowledged that grief will accompany R.R. wherever she goes. “There is no escape from a mother’s pain,” she added. “But with time, support and prayer, we hope she finds the strength to live with the memories, not be crushed by them.”
