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?