A significant traffic disruption unfolded on Ras Al Khor Road during Friday morning rush hour following a triple-vehicle collision involving a trailer, bus, and minibus. The incident, occurring in the direction of Meydan and Downtown Dubai, resulted in extensive lane closures and created a domino effect of congestion along the E44 highway—a crucial national transportation artery.
Emergency response teams, including police units and ambulance services, swiftly arrived at the scene to manage the aftermath. Visible damage to both the trailer and bus was substantial, with debris and shattered glass covering all three lanes of the ramp connecting to Al Khail Road. Authorities were compelled to close two lanes entirely, while the remaining lane required careful navigation around the wreckage.
The collision triggered unprecedented delays, with motorists reporting standstill conditions lasting up to two hours. Ann George, an expatriate commuter, revealed her typical 25-minute journey stretched to 1.5 hours with minimal progress. ‘I’ve been stuck at practically the same spot for 20 minutes now,’ she expressed, highlighting the severity of the gridlock.
Real-time navigation applications compounded commuter frustration by continuously adjusting estimated arrival times. One driver described watching their expected arrival shift from 10:00 AM to 11:01 AM in gradual increments. Despite the inconvenience, many demonstrated remarkable perspective, acknowledging that those directly involved in the accident were experiencing far greater difficulties.
The timing proved particularly frustrating for Dubai residents, who typically anticipate lighter traffic patterns on Fridays—the last working day of the week for many. Professionals like MT, a sales executive attempting to reach Business Bay, found themselves forced to notify clients of unexpected delays despite leaving with what would normally be sufficient travel time.
Some motorists employed humor to cope with the situation, with one noting they felt engaged in ‘the world’s slowest race’ with a neighboring Mini Cooper. The incident prompted Dubai authorities to recommend alternative routes and exercise additional caution when approaching affected areas.