03 June 2008

Sharjah: A pregnant woman was killed in a road accident on Monday morning after she was hit by a speeding car while crossing the Ittihad Road - the busiest highway between Sharjah and Dubai.

The six-month pregnant woman was crossing the road between the Khulafa Rashideen Interchange (commonly known Al Khan bridge) and Ansar Mall when she was hit by a speeding car, according to Sharjah Police.

The woman, who has not been identified, died before reaching Al Qasimi Hospital.

Police said the driver, a 45-year-old man, was arrested and legal action will be taken against him.

The stretch of the Ittihad road between the Khulafa Rashideen Interchange upto the Ansar Mall, has become a death trap for pedestrians who try to cross this road, said residents.

The frequency of pedestrians ending up either dead or injured while trying to cross this road has repeatedly made residents call for building a pedestrian bridge in the area, but no action has been taken despite frequent accidents. Pesdetrians cross the eight lane highway to reach the shopping mall. The Department of Town Planning and Survey in Sharjah were not available for comment.

Mohammad Omar, sales engineer, a frequent user of Al Ittihad Road, said that immediate action needs to be taken. "How many more lives need to be lost before the authorities decide to provide pedestrians with a safe passage," said Omar.

Raed Ahmad, a school supervisor, who uses the road on a daily basis, said that this road has claimed many lives and authorities need to address the issue.

"I personally have witnessed many pedestrians being hit on this road, which is no longer a highway as many residential buildings have come up in the area so there is an urgent need to build an underpass," said Ahmad.

Samina Ashraf, a housewife, said that once she saw a woman with a baby's pram crossing this road.

"This case clearly highlights the need for more awareness among pedestrians who sometimes do not understand the danger of their acts, but we have to admit that many people do not have any other option but to cross the road," said Ashraf.

"To take a taxi to the other side is not an option for me as it will turn out too expensive so I try to be as careful as possible and I pray to God for my safety," said a pedestrian who did not wish to named.

Residents have also raised their concerns about the area near Sahara Centre, where road accidents are on a rise. The metal fence that divides the lanes has been broken down and it has become common to see people jumping through the divider.

Another accident prone area is the stretch of road near roundabout at the Al Ta'awun Mall where a lack of traffic signals force pedestrians to make a dash across the street.

By Wafa Issa and Mariam Al Serkal

Gulf News 2008. All rights reserved.