A night of severe weather in Ras Al Khaimah turned fatal for a 27-year-old Indian expatriate after a structure under construction collapsed during heavy rain and strong winds.
According to a Gulf News report, the victim was identified as Salman Fariz, originally from Malappuram district in Kerala, India. He was employed as a delivery rider at a round-the-clock cafeteria in the Nakheel area of Ras Al Khaimah.
According to his employers and a community social worker, the incident occurred at around 3 a.m. on Thursday while Fariz was out fulfilling a delivery order amid worsening weather conditions. As rain intensified, Fariz contacted his workplace to report that his motorcycle had stalled on the road.
“After sometime, heavy downpour and high winds started and he called up saying his motorbike had stopped midway. We told him not to bother about the vehicle and take shelter somewhere,” KK Mohammed, one of the cafeteria’s operators, said in the same Gulf News report.
It is believed that Fariz sought refuge in or near a building that was still under construction. Moments later, a section of the wall gave way and collapsed, fatally injuring him, according to Abdul Shukoor, who jointly runs the establishment.
The employers said attempts were made to locate Fariz when he failed to return, with two staff members sent out to search the area. However, his whereabouts remained unknown until authorities contacted them.
“We got to know about the tragedy when the police informed us,” Mohammed said.
“We are all shocked and saddened. He is gone too soon,” Shukoor added.
Ras Al Khaimah Police have been contacted for official comment.
Abdul Nasar, a social worker assisting the family, said arrangements are underway to return Fariz’s remains to India once formal procedures are completed. “We are working with the authorities for that,” he said.
