8 killed in worst ever highway accident in Dubai

Dubai, Mar 11 (UNI) At least 8 people were killed and 284 others injured in a pile-up on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway today, in one of the worst ever accidents in Dubai's history.

More than 200 cars were involved in a massive pile-up. Fifteen people were in critical condition and 67 sustained moderate injuries, the Khaleej Times said today.

The injured, some of them in critical condition have been rushed to the Khalifa Hospital. Rescue teams from Dubai and Abu Dhabi swung into action immediately as ambulances, helicopters and patrol cars were rushed to the scene.

Police sources have blamed the poor visibility condition brought about by the fog for the big crash.

Two eyewitnesses on the scene of the accident recounted the tragedy as it unfolded before their eyes.

One Zeeshan Javed, a regular commuter on the stretch said he just escaped 'by a whisker' as the cars in front of him smashed into each other.

''It was a big pile-up. I personally counted about 80 cars that had been wrecked beyond recognition. Even though emergency units were quick to respond the fact remains that there have been casualities. I have never seen an accident of this magnitude. Some cars that had caught fire were charred beyond recognition. This has to be the worst ever accident,'' he said.

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