Indian-origin billionaire announces Dh1 million aid to UAE road accident victims: 6 Indians among 7 killed World News

Indian-origin billionaire Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil has announced a Dh1 million humanitarian aid package for families affected by the recent UAE road accident that killed seven workers and injured nine others.Dr. Vayalil is a radiologist, businessman and philanthropist. He is the founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings, a leading healthcare group in the Middle East with hospitals and medical centers in the UAE and the region.The initiative will provide financial assistance to the families of the seven workers killed in the accident and nine others injured.Under the scheme, the families of the seven victims will each receive Dh100,000, bringing the total allocation to the families of the deceased to Dh700,000. A further Dh180,000 has been earmarked to support the medical treatment and rehabilitation of nine injured survivors.The package also includes Dh70,000 to help cover emergency travel and accommodation costs for relatives, and Dh50,000 to support the education of children from affected families.The aid comes after one of the worst worker traffic accidents in the UAE in recent months. The accident occurred when a minibus carrying employees of a Dubai company collided with the back of a truck, which was reportedly parked on Emirates Road due to mechanical problems.Victims include workers from India and Sri Lanka. Authorities said six of the victims were Indian nationals, three from Uttar Pradesh, three from Telangana and one victim from Sri Lanka, Khaleej Times reported.Some of the injured workers have now been discharged from hospital, while others are still receiving treatment.Dr Wayalil said the support package was designed to provide immediate relief to families suffering the consequences of the tragedy.“These workers come to the UAE with hopes, responsibilities and dreams for their loved ones,” he said. “No financial support can replace the lives lost, but we hope this assistance will ease some of the burden on grieving families and help the injured recover.”Special attention will be given to families with young dependent children who have lost their main source of income, he added.Dr Wayalil said assistance would be provided regardless of nationality. While coordination is ongoing with the Indian Consulate in Dubai for the affected Indian families, support will be extended to all those affected by the accident.Dubai Police previously confirmed that the investigation into the cause of the crash was still ongoing.The relief package is designed to provide short-term financial support while helping affected families cope with longer-term challenges, particularly those involving child welfare and education.