Two lives lost in Ras Al Khaimah crash, including 26-year-old doctor

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Ras Al Khaimah witnessed a heart-wrenching tragedy on Thursday, December 26, when a light aircraft from Jazirah Aviation Club crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed the accident on Sunday, stating that investigations are underway to uncover the cause of the crash.

The victims of the ill-fated flight included 26-year-old Dr. Sulaymaan Al Majid, an Indian national born and raised in the UAE, and the pilot, a 29-year-old Pakistani woman. The crash occurred at approximately 2 p.m. near the Cove Rotana Hotel, close to the beach.

Dr. Sulaymaan's father, Majid Mukarram, recounted the agonizing sequence of events. Initially, the family was informed that the glider had lost radio contact. "Later, we were told it had made an emergency landing and that the occupants were taken to the hospital," he said. Tragically, both individuals succumbed to their injuries despite resuscitation efforts.

"We were looking forward to celebrating the New Year together as a family," Majid shared. "Instead, our lives have been shattered. Sulaymaan was the light of our lives, and we don't know how to move forward without him."

Dr. Sulaymaan was a clinical fellow at the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust in the UK and an advocate for medical professionals. He served in key leadership roles within the British Medical Association, championing pay restoration and improved recognition for resident doctors.

The family, residing in Sharjah, is preparing for his funeral at Al Ghusai graveyard at 8:15 p.m. on Sunday. A younger brother shared the tragic news on Instagram, asking for privacy during this devastating time.

A graduate of Dubai Scholars School, Sulaymaan was remembered as an exceptional individual with a passion for medicine and advocacy.

The GCAA’s Air Accident Investigation Sector has launched a thorough investigation, coordinating with work teams and relevant authorities. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families and relatives of the victims," the authority stated.

This tragedy comes just weeks after another aviation incident in the UAE. On November 12, a flight instructor was killed in Fujairah when a training aircraft crashed into the sea 20 minutes after takeoff.

The recent crashes underscore the risks of aviation and highlight the ongoing need for safety advancements within the sector.