A community in Sharjah is mourning the tragic death of a 7-year-old Bangladeshi boy who was found dead inside a locked car on Monday. According to Khaleej Times, the boy was accidentally left in the vehicle for several hours by a driver who was hired to transport him to and from Ibn Sina School.
Neighbors described the boy as a cheerful and friendly child who brought joy to those around him. “He always had a smile whenever we saw him. I can’t believe he’s gone. I am just heartbroken,” said Muhammad Imran Sharif, a resident of Bu Tina.
Ariful Islam, a watchman familiar with the boy, expressed his shock upon hearing the news. “After Asr, the boy used to come to the building for tuitions. He always had a smile about him,” Islam told Khaleej Times. “I was so shocked that I abandoned all my plans and came back.”
The female driver, who was not licensed to transport schoolchildren, failed to notice the boy inside the vehicle after parking near the school. The boy’s parents have reportedly forgiven her, though it is unclear if legal actions will be pursued in the absence of a formal complaint.
Sharjah Police highlighted the dangers of unlicensed car lift services, urging parents to opt for authorized school transportation. The incident underscores the risks of leaving children in locked cars, especially under extreme heat, which can reach up to 60°C inside a vehicle.
This tragedy comes as authorities continue to enhance security protocols on school buses, following similar incidents in the UAE in past years.