One killed, 19 injured in Dubai after truck crashes into workers' bus on Al Yalayis Street

One person was killed and 19 others injured after a truck rear-ended a workers' bus on Al Yalayis Street in Dubai on Thursday.

The bus had broken down near Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Bridge, in the direction of Emirates Road. Dubai Police said the truck driver failed to pay attention and maintain a safe following distance.

What caused the Dubai workers' bus crash on Al Yalayis Street?

The bus stopped suddenly in the middle of the road due to a technical malfunction and was struck from behind by a truck, Dubai Police said, citing initial investigations.

The truck driver failed to keep a safe distance. Eight of the 19 injured were critically hurt, two sustained moderate injuries and nine suffered minor ones. All were taken to hospital.

How did Dubai Police respond to the crash?

Traffic patrols and accident investigation teams responded swiftly to secure the site and support rescue operations, Brigadier Jumaa Salem Bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said.

Teams also managed traffic flow and redirected vehicles through alternative routes to ease congestion. Brig Bin Suwaidan urged motorists to contact police immediately if their vehicle breaks down and cannot be moved safely off the road.

What should drivers do if their vehicle breaks down on the road?

Dubai Police said drivers should switch on hazard lights, ensure passenger safety and place a warning triangle behind the vehicle where possible. They should also move away from the roadway and call police immediately.

The force stressed that vehicles can break down due to technical faults, fuel shortages or tire damage, and that drivers should check vehicle safety before starting any journey.

What are the penalties for stopping in the middle of the road in the UAE?

Stopping in the middle of the road carries a Dh1,000 fine and six black points. Obstructing traffic under Article 98 results in a separate Dh500 fine.

Dubai Police described the violation as one of the leading causes of serious accidents that can result in deaths and severe injuries.

Is this part of a wider pattern of road danger in the UAE?

The warning follows an Abu Dhabi Police video released in February showing how sudden stops can trigger multiple crashes. The footage, issued with the Monitoring and Control Centre, showed vehicles halting unexpectedly while drivers behind them failed to stop in time due to inattention.

Ministry of Interior data for 2025 also listed tailgating among the top four traffic violations causing accidents in the UAE, linking it to 849 crashes during the year.