Abu Dhabi: An Asian man was caught driving with 22 gas cylinders in his private vehicle after he collided with two other vehicles, the Abu Dhabi Police said on Sunday.
The suspect was driving on the main road between Abu Dhabi and Dubai near Ghantoot on Saturday afternoon when the incident took place. It was a providential escape for all those involved as the cylinders did not explode.
G.S., 34, was arrested for transporting the cylinders without a licence and failing to follow traffic safety rules.
Lieutenant Colonel Hamad Al Beloushi, the head of the External Roads Department in Abu Dhabi Police, condemned the suspect’s “recklessness and greed” that could have led to the loss of innocent lives. He urged companies and individuals not to deal with people like the suspect who endanger the lives of others for illegal monetary gains.
The official assured that the External Roads Department is vigilant to ensure gas cylinders are not transported in unlicensed vehicles. He described vehicles violating safety rules as “time-bombs” without an instruction manual that pose a great threat to road users.
Lt Col Al Beloushi highlighted the importance of abiding by the rules of safe gas transport adding that vehicles should be licensed, be of a specific colour, have an open roof and labelled with warning signs that alert others of their flammable contents. A fire extinguisher should also be readily available inside such vehicles and must be checked regularly to ensure it is in proper working condition, he added.
