Emirati youth electrocuted to death atop RAK mountain

Ras Al Khaimah - Victim identified as Salem Al Hili Al Shehi, who was on solo expedition

A 29-year-old Emirati young man was electrocuted to death while drinking from a cold water dispenser on the top of a mountain in the emirate.
The Central Operations Room of the RAK Police, alerted about the mishap on Monday afternoon, dispatched police patrols, an ambulance and rescue team to the site in a record time, according a senior officer with the RAK police.
Lt-Col Ibrahim Mattar, Chief of the Maamura police station, said the young man, identified as Salem Al Hili Al Shehi, was found unconscious.
"The paramedics tried hard to resuscitate him but he did not make it and died on the spot."
Initial investigations show that the victim died of electrocution while he was trying to drink from a cold water dispenser on top of a mountain here, he added.
"The Emirati young man was alone in an expedition during which he stepped down to drink water, but he was unfortunately electrocuted," Lt-Col Mattar said.
Family fears for life
Separately, an Emirati family had a close shave after parts of the ceiling of their house at the Rashid bin Saeed in Al Jeer town fell to the ground.
"Blocks of cement and concrete fell in my room which I always sit most of the day and night," said Umm Mohammed Al Shehi, an elderly housewife.
Though all family members have luckily escaped unhurt, they were so scared of further collapse due to the deep cracks in the walls and roof of the their old house.
"We do not have any other house to stay in, and it may collapse anytime," she added.
Saeed Al Shehi, son of the old mother, said the walls of the house are so worn out.
"Maintenance is not a big help to the old house, which has already gone through maintenance seven times since the 90s; two granted by the government and five times on our expenses."
The old house, built in 1982, consists of four rooms and a majlis or sitting room, he added.
"It needs to be thoroughly rebuilt, mainly as all the power and water supplies are on a terrible condition or have been damaged."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ras Al Khaimah