A significant traffic incident in the north-eastern region of the United Arab Emirates involved approximately 20 vehicles, resulting in nine reported injuries.

The pile-up occurred on the road leading to Dibba Al Fujairah on Wednesday evening, impacting one of the key routes on the country’s east coast.

According to authorities, the accident was triggered when a vehicle caught fire on the main roadway, prompting a rapid response from other drivers who braked suddenly.

This led to a chain reaction, with lorries colliding into the cars ahead.

Fujairah Police confirmed that among the injured, eight individuals suffered minor injuries while one sustained a moderate injury.

Multiple emergency services, including the national ambulance service, were dispatched to the scene promptly.

All injured parties were transported to local hospitals for medical attention, as clarified in a police statement.

In light of the incident, law enforcement agencies have reiterated the importance of exercising caution on the roads, adhering to speed regulations, and maintaining safe distances between vehicles, particularly in mountainous areas.

Recent national statistics indicate an 8 percent rise in traffic accidents during 2024 compared to the previous year.

However, this trend occurs against a backdrop of substantial population growth within the country.

In 2023, traffic incidents resulted in 384 fatalities, an increase from 352 in 2022 and 343 in 2021. Despite these numbers, traffic-related deaths have significantly decreased since peaking at 725 in 2016, attributable to enhanced road safety awareness, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and improvements in vehicle safety technology.