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A man has been accused of running over two expatriates with his vehicle, resulting in the death of one and serious injuries to the other.
The 46‑year‑old Bahraini taxi driver from Zinj was allegedly travelling at high speed during a period of poor visibility when he collided with the victims and their motorcycles.
He is standing trial before the High Criminal Court, where he has been charged with causing accidental death, reckless driving and speeding past the road’s limit.
The victims have been identified in court documents as Shabaz Ali and Abu Umniah, but their ages and nationalities were not revealed.
The incident occurred on November 26, between 12.15am and 12.30am, while the defendant was driving along King Faisal Highway towards Manama.
According to case details, the two victims were standing within the white hatched markings – the faux‑pavement area between the carriageways – beside their motorcycles. The reason they had stopped in this restricted zone was not disclosed in the court documents.
These white diagonal lines, or hatched markings, are often found at junctions or where roads merge. Drivers are not usually allowed to enter this area unless there is an emergency.
As the victims stood in this section, a taxi allegedly driven by the defendant approached at high speed and collided with both men and their motorcycles.
The men were reportedly sent flying under the impact, with both of them ending up on opposite sides of the road.
The defendant exited the vehicle moments later to assess what had happened.
Emergency services arrived swiftly, but Mr Ali was pronounced dead at the scene, having suffered fatal injuries in the crash.
Mr Umniah was quickly transferred to Salmaniya Medical Complex for treatment. However, his current condition has not been revealed in court documents.
Inspectors who arrived at the scene reportedly stated that both the taxi and the motorcycles had suffered ‘substantial damage’.
The defendant, meanwhile, proceeded to the nearest police station for questioning. He admitted to colliding with both men, but claimed that it was an accident.
The case was sent to the Public Prosecution, who referred the defendant for trial at the High Criminal Court, where he appeared yesterday.
When questioned by judges regarding the charges, he once again admitted to them and explained what happened that night.
“I was leaving Sanabis and heading towards Manama and Budaiya Highway when the incident occurred,” he said.
“There was a car ahead of me moving very slowly, so I attempted to overtake it from the left lane.
“While overtaking, my speed was approximately 115 to 120kmph, after which I gradually reduced it to around 90kmph.
“Visibility was limited due to fog, and I suddenly saw the men and the motorcycles standing on the left side. I tried to swerve out of the way, but I ended up hitting the motorcycles and the men themselves.
“One of the men called the ambulance immediately and they arrived with the police a few minutes later.”
The case has been adjourned until Monday for further deliberation.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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