In a heartbreaking road accident in the UAE, the sole surviving child has been discharged from hospital after recovering from injuries, while the tragic crash claimed the lives of her brothers, leaving the family devastated.
UAE car tragedy: Only surviving child discharged following crash that killed her brothers.
A young girl has become the sole child survivor of a devastating road accident that struck a family over the weekend, after she was officially discharged from hospital following successful treatment. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, has left a family mourning the loss of four young boys and their housemaid, while both parents continue to recover from serious injuries.
According to a social worker closely involved with the family’s case, the 10-year-old girl has made a full physical recovery from the injuries she sustained in the crash. She has since been placed in the care of a close relative and is currently staying in Abu Dhabi, where she will remain under family supervision as she adjusts following the tragedy.
“The child has recovered well and no longer requires hospital care,” the social worker confirmed. “She is physically stable and has been discharged. Right now, she is staying with extended family members who are supporting her.”
This development comes shortly after an emotional farewell was held for her four brothers, who were laid to rest earlier this week. Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Qusais cemetery to attend the janazah prayers, offering condolences and prayers for the children whose lives were cut tragically short.
While the young girl has left the hospital, her parents continue to face a difficult road to recovery. Her mother remains admitted, undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in the crash. Hospital sources confirmed that she underwent surgery on Wednesday and is currently under close medical observation.
“The mother is still hospitalized and recovering from her procedure,” the social worker said. “She needs time to heal, both physically and emotionally.”
The father, who was also injured in the collision, was discharged earlier this week. Despite his own medical condition, he requested to leave the hospital temporarily so he could attend the funeral of his sons. Medical staff approved his request, allowing him to fulfill what he described as a final duty as a father.
The grieving parent traveled from Abu Dhabi to Dubai to be present for the burial. Witnesses said he arrived at the cemetery in a wheelchair and was assisted by relatives and volunteers as he joined hundreds of others in prayer. His presence deeply moved those in attendance, many of whom were visibly emotional during the service.
Although discharged, the father has chosen to remain close to his wife, spending much of his time at the hospital by her side. Family members say he has been dividing his time between caring for his recovering daughter and supporting his wife during her hospitalization.
In the days following the burial, the family has been preparing to receive mourners who wish to offer their condolences. A traditional Azza gathering is scheduled to take place on Thursday at the Al Warqa Grand Mosque. Organizers confirmed that the condolence reception will be held in two sessions: a morning gathering from 10am to 12pm, followed by an evening session between 4pm and 7pm. Friends, relatives, and members of the community are expected to attend to express their sympathy and support.
The tragic accident occurred on Saturday, January 3, 2026, as the family was traveling back to Dubai after attending the Liwa Festival. Their vehicle was involved in a serious collision near the Ghanthoot area at approximately 4am. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, but the severity of the impact resulted in multiple fatalities.
Three of the children — aged 14, 12, and five — along with the family’s housemaid, lost their lives instantly. A fourth child, aged seven, was rushed to hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries, bringing the total number of fatalities to five.
Authorities have not released further details about the cause of the crash, but investigations are ongoing. The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of long-distance driving during early morning hours, particularly after extended trips and public events.
The story has touched many across the UAE, with messages of condolence and support pouring in from the wider community. Social workers, volunteers, and charitable groups have stepped forward to assist the family during this incredibly difficult period, ensuring they have access to medical, emotional, and logistical support.
As the surviving child begins a new chapter under the care of relatives, and her parents continue their recovery, the family remains surrounded by grief but also by the solidarity of a community rallying around them. The coming weeks are expected to be especially challenging, as they navigate life after an unimaginable loss.
An Outpouring of Compassion Amid Tragedy
In the aftermath of an unthinkable tragedy, the grieving family has found solace in the overwhelming compassion and support extended by authorities and institutions across the UAE. Amid their loss, those closest to the family say the empathy and care shown by government departments and officials have provided comfort during an otherwise devastating period.
A close family friend, speaking to Insider 18, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the sensitivity and understanding demonstrated throughout the ordeal. She described how every step of the process—from medical treatment to administrative arrangements—was handled with remarkable humanity.
“At every moment, we were met with genuine kindness,” she said. “The compassion we received was not just procedural or formal; it felt deeply personal. Whether it was ensuring the best possible medical care, helping us navigate complex paperwork, or respecting the wishes of the family during an incredibly painful time, the support shown by various authorities is something we will always remember.”
According to the family friend, officials went out of their way to ease the burden on the grieving parents, often anticipating their needs before they were even voiced. She emphasized that the experience reinforced the family’s appreciation for the values of empathy and solidarity that underpin the UAE’s approach to community welfare, particularly during times of crisis.
Special Permission Granted for Burial
Under normal circumstances, UAE regulations stipulate that expatriate residents are typically laid to rest in the emirate from which their residence visas are issued. In this case, the family’s visas were registered in Ras Al Khaimah, which would ordinarily mean burial arrangements would need to be made there.
However, in light of the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the deaths of four young children, authorities granted an exceptional exemption. The family was given special permission to bury the children in Dubai, closer to where many of their relatives, friends, and support networks are based.
This decision, family members said, brought immense relief. It allowed them to conduct the funeral rites in a location that was more accessible to loved ones who wished to attend the janazah prayers and burial. It also honored the family’s request to lay their children to rest together in a place that felt emotionally significant to them.
The approval was granted swiftly, reflecting what those involved described as a compassionate and flexible response from officials who recognized the gravity of the family’s loss. The family friend noted that this gesture alone made a profound difference during a time when every decision felt overwhelming.
Continuous Support from Authorities
A social worker closely assisting the family revealed that Dubai Police and other relevant departments have remained in constant communication since the tragedy occurred. He said officials have shown an exceptional level of commitment, not only in handling formal procedures but also in checking on the family’s emotional and practical needs.
“Dubai Police officials were in touch with me around the clock,” he said. “Some of them stayed awake until 2am just to make sure all the necessary documentation was completed on time so the burial could proceed without delay.”
According to the social worker, the urgency was not driven by bureaucracy but by a desire to spare the family any additional distress. Officials coordinated across departments to ensure approvals were processed quickly, transportation was arranged efficiently, and religious customs were respected without complication.
Beyond administrative assistance, the social worker said officers continued to reach out even after the funeral to inquire about the family’s wellbeing. “They wanted to know how the parents were coping, whether the surviving child was receiving adequate care, and if there was anything more that could be done to support them,” he explained.
This ongoing engagement, he added, demonstrated a level of care that extended far beyond official duty. It reflected a broader commitment to community responsibility and human connection, particularly during moments of profound loss.
A Mother’s Final Farewell
One of the most emotionally difficult moments for the family came when the mother was informed of the deaths of her four children. Still hospitalized and recovering from her own injuries, she was told the devastating news just hours before the funeral was scheduled to take place.
Family members and medical staff worked together to break the news with sensitivity, ensuring she was surrounded by support. Despite her physical condition, the mother made a heartfelt request: she wanted to see her children one last time.
Her wish was immediately respected.
After the children’s bodies had been prepared in accordance with Islamic rites at the Abu Dhabi central morgue—washed, shrouded, and readied for burial—arrangements were made to transport them back to the hospital. This allowed the mother to bid farewell to her sons in a private and dignified setting.
Those present described the moment as deeply emotional, with hospital staff and relatives quietly stepping back to give her space. For the mother, the opportunity to see her children one final time, despite the immense pain, was an essential part of her grieving process.
Family members later said they were profoundly grateful that this request was honored without hesitation. “It gave her a small measure of peace in an otherwise unbearable situation,” one relative said.
Compassion Beyond Protocol
Throughout the entire process, those supporting the family noted that compassion consistently took precedence over rigid protocol. Officials from various departments collaborated seamlessly, ensuring that religious practices, cultural sensitivities, and the family’s emotional state were all taken into account.
From arranging transportation between emirates to expediting paperwork and coordinating with hospital staff, the response was marked by flexibility and understanding. The social worker emphasized that such cooperation is not always guaranteed during crises, making the experience all the more meaningful for the family.
“The way everyone came together was extraordinary,” he said. “It wasn’t just about doing their jobs—it was about doing the right thing for a family in unimaginable pain.”
Community and Institutional Solidarity
The tragedy has resonated deeply within the wider community, prompting an outpouring of condolences and support. Religious leaders, community members, and volunteers have reached out to offer prayers, emotional assistance, and practical help.
Meanwhile, institutional support has continued behind the scenes. Authorities have ensured that the family has access to counseling services, medical follow-ups, and social assistance as they begin the long process of healing.
The family friend said this collective response has reaffirmed their faith in the community they call home. “In our darkest hours, we were not alone,” she said. “The kindness we experienced—from officials, medical staff, and even strangers—has left an indelible mark on our hearts.”
A Lasting Impact
As the family continues to grieve and recover, the compassion shown to them during this period remains a source of comfort. While nothing can ease the pain of losing four children, the respect, dignity, and empathy extended by the UAE authorities have helped lessen the weight of logistical and procedural burdens.
For those closest to the family, these gestures will not be forgotten. They stand as a reminder that even in the face of profound tragedy, humanity and kindness can shine through, offering moments of grace when they are needed most.
