AT least 15 Filipino bikers sustained injuries when a speeding sports utility vehicle plowed into them while they were traversing the Arabian Gulf Road in Kuwait City in the early hours last Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.
The driver of the SUV later surrendered to authorities, according to DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega
“The driver voluntarily surrendered to the police, so the Kuwaiti government is investigating, it is reviewing the films of the accident,” he said in Filipino.
De Vega added that 11 of the 15 victims were brought to hospitals for treatment.
He said that as of yesterday, seven have been discharged while two are in critical condition and are under observation.
“‘Iyung dalawa medyo grabe. ‘Yung isa, head injuries, ‘yung isa back injuries (Two of them sustained pretty bad injuries. One sustained injuries on the head while another on the back),” De Vega told radio DZBB.
DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait was able to immediately reach the victims and offer assistance.
“The post has also contacted the families and friends of some of the injured. The services of a legal retainer had also been secured,” Daza said.
She said while the driver had surrendered, “It may be premature to conclude that the perpetrator was targeting a specific group of nationals.
“There is a need to wait for the result of the investigation,” she added.
The victims were reportedly among a group of more than 30 Filipino cyclists when they were hit by the SUV.
De Vega said Kuwaiti authorities are still investigating and reviewing footage of the incident.
There are around 260,000 Filipinos living and working in Kuwait.
