With reporting from Heba Fahmy
Three men who were killed after their vehicle flipped over near the Losail International Circuit on Friday have been identified as Egyptian expats who worked for the Grand Hyatt Doha.
The deceased, who worked as shisha attendants, had been traveling in a minivan that was taking them from their accommodation to the hotel when it turned over.
https://twitter.com/GrandHyattDoha/status/620209243526791168
In a statement sent to Doha News, the hotel said:
“Grand Hyatt Doha’s management and associates are saddened by the tragic road accident that took the life of 3 of their shisha partner’s associates on 10 July 2015 while transporting them from their accommodation to the hotel. Grand Hyatt Doha extends its heartfelt sympathy and support to the victims of the accident and their families.”
The hotel declined to give the names and ages of the men, whose bodies are understood to have been repatriated this week.
When reached for information, a representative at the Egyptian Embassy in Doha said no information about the deceased could be shared as the accident was a personal matter related to the victims’ families.
What happened
According to the Peninsula, the accident took place at around 4:30 pm Friday on Al Khor Road, next to the Lusail Race Track.
The driver apparently lost control of the car after one of the tires burst, causing the vehicle to flip over.
He and other passengers in the minivan were rushed to the hospital, and are currently being treated for their injuries.
Accidents from burst tires of vehicles going at high speeds are not uncommon in Qatar, and have resulted in several road deaths over the past few years.
Some of the more high-profile incidents include the death of three Nepali construction workers and a 17-year-old Indonesian expat in 2013, and four Hamad Medical Corp. employees, including a pregnant woman, in 2011.
Especially during the summer months, government officials here have encouraged residents to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained to improve safety on the roads.
Thoughts?
Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May God give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. It will be great if the authorities could check the age and condition of vehicle tires during the annual inspection. I hope this can reduce a lot of accidents due to tire bursting.
Rest in Peace, and remeber DN fans to always check your tire pressure and don’t buy cheap tires made from paper,always buy name brand, Its the tires that separates you from the road.
What a tragic and unnecessary loss of life! Speed kills!
A very sad loss for both the families of these people and for Qatar itself.
RIP to those who lost their lives. Road deaths are tragic and sudden.
Cheap no-name Chinese tires or tires that are old and in poor condition are a huge risk during these hot summer months.
Unfortunately, company vans of this sort are usually not in a good state of repair – basically kept on the edge of running to save a few riyals.
Never skimp on tires and brakes. They are what keep you on the road.
Stay safe everybody!
Condolence to the family.
To God we belong and to Him we shall return… our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
Unfortunate loss of life – RIP to the deceased.
How many white Nissan urvan need their tires to burst and overturn before authorities take action – petrol pumps here now barely have air pressure facilities (long lines for fuel itself), lack of awareness on tires (most do not inspect their tires for manufacturing date, cuts, bulges, pressure)
During the summer heat under inflated tires and in a poor state is asking for trouble.
I found tips on how to handle a car if a tire bursts: http://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Tyre-Burst
I am terribly affected by this story as I knew the 5 of them. All were previously working in Al Mashrebya restaurant in Souq Waqif. When it shut down, they were all transferred in Grand Hyatt Doha around 2/3 years ago. I knew them from that time and visited them to Hilton just few weeks ago as they really became friends. I wanted to see them. They were so happy to see me. So I was. I was so afraid to read “Hilton” in this news I don’t know why but unfortunately… It was them. A hard working life for so little money with a terrible ending. I pray God to accept them close to Him. From Him we come and to Him we will all return.
Stay strong. I also lost someone in the Hamad Hospital crash that was mentioned in this article.
It can make you so angry and disappointed in life but I suppose the best we can do is pray for them and do good deeds in their memory.
How terrible, my condolences to the families.
I noticed my tires suddenly cracking this week — a reminder of how hot the roads are and how important it is to regularly inspect your car. I had no idea about tires, pressure, etc but am now taking some time to learn a little. Especially since I found it suspect that a well known tire dealer tried to sell me an unknown cheap brand on a clearance price (red flags!).
Make sure your tires are from a reputable brand, that they are the correct size and type, and and check the manufacture date printed on the side before purchasing