UAE: Heartbroken father recalls final hours with 4 sons killed in Abu Dhabi road crash

A father who lost his four young sons in a road accident in the UAE on January 3 has recalled the final hours he spent with them, describing what began as a family outing and ended in unimaginable tragedy.

Still recovering from his injuries, the man spoke during a condolence gathering on Thursday at Al Warqa Grand Mosque, where hundreds of mourners gathered to offer prayers and support.

The Dubai family had initially planned a camping trip to Hatta and the had carefully planned the itinerary. "It was a family picnic. The kids wanted to go out and camp somewhere. So we decided to go to Hatta,” the grieving father told Khaleej Times during the condolence meet.

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After reaching Hatta on January 2 and setting up their tents, the children made another request to go to Liwa instead. "They wanted to see the Liwa festival and enjoy the weekend there. So we agreed and started our journey towards Liwa," said the father, an expat from Kerala.

It was a simple change of plans. A decision made out of love, to keep the children happy. Like many parents, he did not think twice.

While returning from Liwa, the family was involved in a serious road accident. The three boys and their housemaid were killed in the accident, and the fourth son succumbed to injuries in the hospital. Both the parents and their daughter were injured, authorities said.

Hundreds gathered to offer condolences

Days after the crash, the pain remains heavy. Friends, neighbours, relatives, and members of the community continue to visit the family, offering prayers and quiet support.

On Thursday morning, more than a hundred people gathered at Al Warqa Grand Mosque for a condolence meeting. Mourners arrived quietly and stood in silence, while some offered prayers and words of comfort before leaving.

The father met visitors quietly and he spoke softly. He listened more than he spoke.

Even as he deals with deep emotional pain, he is also facing a tough physical recovery. He underwent surgery after the accident, and said he will be confined to a wheelchair for the next three weeks as he recovers.

The children’s mother is also injured. Her surgery is scheduled to take place in the coming days, the father said. Family members said she is being prepared both medically and emotionally for what lies ahead.

Many who attended the condolence meet urged people to continue praying for the four children who passed away, and for the parents who must now learn how to live with this loss.