New Delhi: A 26-year-old Indian-origin doctor was among two people killed in a light aircraft crash off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE on Sunday. The crash claimed the lives of both the pilot and the co-pilot, a statement from the General Civil Aviation Authority said.
Sulaymaan Al Majid was co-piloting the aircraft alongside a 26-year-old Pakistani woman, who also died in the accident. Sulaymaan was born and raised in the UAE. He had hired the aircraft for a sightseeing experience with his family. Reports said his father, mother, and younger brother were at the aviation club to watch the plane. Sulaymaan’s younger brother was set to take the next flight, reports added.
Sulaymaan’s father was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times: “We were looking forward to the New Year as a family, planning to celebrate together. Instead, our lives have been shattered. It feels like time has stopped for us. Sulaymaan was the light of our lives, and we don’t know how to move forward without him.”
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The crash occurred shortly after takeoff, near the Cove Rotana Hotel along the beach, according to the aviation authority.
The aviation authority pointed out that initial reports indicate that the glider lost radio contact and later tried an emergency landing. Despite resuscitation efforts, both occupants succumbed to their injuries.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Sulaymaan was a clinical fellow at the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. He was actively engaged with the British Medical Association (BMA), serving as Honorary Secretary and later as co-chair of the Northern Resident Doctors Committee. During his tenure, he stressed on fair pay and promoted the reclassification of “junior doctors” to “resident doctors.”
The aviation authority has initiated a probe to ascertain the cause of the fatal crash.
