Muscat: Three girls lost their lives and dozens injured when their bus collided with a truck on Nizwa-Izki road in Birkat Al Mouz on Tuesday. This painful incident sparked public outrage and brought renewed attention to the safety issues associated with this vital road, which locals have nicknamed the ‘road of death’ due to the high frequency of fatal accidents.
The accident happened early in the morning when a truck collided with a bus transporting students. Ambulance and police teams promptly responded to the scene, transferring the injured to the hospital for treatment. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) issued a statement urging road users to adhere to traffic laws and exercise caution while driving.
One user, Abdullah al Abri, tweeted, “The Nizwa-Izki road is what I call the ‘road of death’ due to the countless lives it has claimed! This morning, a tragic accident involving a bus carrying Nizwa University students resulted in fatalities and severe injuries. For years, we’ve heard about the imminent implementation of this road’s dual carriageway project, yet the days pass, accidents increase, lives are lost... and still no progress!”
Basheer al Shidi also voiced his dismay over the state of the road, pointing out that it serves three major areas: Nizwa, Birkat Al Mouz, Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and Izki, acting as a critical lifeline connecting these regions. “As we begin a new year, we call for accelerating the dual carriageway project for the Izki-Birkat Al Mouz-Nizwa road. This is one of the most dangerous roads, having witnessed numerous tragic accidents and posing a daily threat to its users. This road is not just a passage for vehicles; it is an essential link for citizens’ movement, and delaying its development places a significant burden on everyone,” he said.Suleiman bin Salem said: “If the road is this dangerous, drivers must take maximum precautions to avoid accidents.
Unfortunately, we witness reckless behaviour from some drivers who disregard rules, increasing the likelihood of accidents. We hope the relevant authorities expedite the dual carriageway project, especially since the tender was recently awarded. This will enhance public safety and reduce the risks faced by users of this vital road.” As the debate continues over whether poor road conditions or driver recklessness is to blame for the accidents, there is unanimous agreement on the urgent need to improve infrastructure and enhance safety standards.
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