Karnataka businessman killed, wife critically injured in Dubai road mishap

Dubai, Jan 25: A prominent businessman from Karnataka’s Ballari died while his wife suffered critical injuries in a ghastly road mishap in Dubai.

The victim has been identified as Dinesh Kawad (40). His wife Neetu Jain (37) is fighting for her life in the ICU of Rashid Hospital, said Kesar Kothari, chairman of Rajasthan Business and Professional Group (RBPG) in Dubai.

The tragedy took place when the van they were travelling collided with a speeding truck near Al Aweer area on Emirates Road around 4.30pm.

There were many tourists on board the van driven by a Pakistani (23), who also died in the mishap. The victims of the accident were heading for a desert safari arranged for tourists, it emerged on Tuesday.

Initial investigation by Dubai Police showed the bus driver did not leave safe distance between the vehicles, leading to the crash.

“The couple, who had migrated to Karnataka from Rajasthan many years ago, came on a trip to Dubai leaving their two children back home,” said Kothari. He said a relative of Kawad called the RBPG officials seeking help for the couple.

“We visited the hospital and coordinated with the Indian Consulate to help them with the paper work,” he said.

The Indian Consulate in Dubai said it has completed all formalities for the repatriation of Kawad’s body. “We are trying to send his body home either at night or early morning,” said Kawad.

Quoting hospital sources, he said an Italian woman in the tourist group, who was believed to be three months pregnant, also succumbed to injuries. The Italian woman’s partner and a Chinese couple who were also in the van survived with minor injuries.