Indian National Killed by Falling Debris in Abu Dhabi, Embassy Expresses Grief

The Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates expressed grief over the death of an Indian national caused by falling debris in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, as the West Asia conflict continues to take a toll on civilians.

The Indian national was among two persons killed after debris from the interception of a ballistic missile fell in the UAE capital, taking the total number of Indian deaths in the ongoing conflict to seven.

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the fatalities occurred "as part of the ongoing follow-up to the previously reported incident caused by falling debris following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems."

The incident resulted in the deaths of two individuals of Pakistani and Indian nationality, while three others sustained injuries ranging from serious to moderate.

The injured included individuals of Emirati, Jordanian and Indian nationality.

How did missile interception debris in Abu Dhabi lead to fatalities and injuries?

Authorities have urged caution regarding the dissemination of information. "The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information," the statement added.

This marks the first Indian fatality in the UAE since Israel and the United States launched military strikes on Iran on February 28, triggering the wider conflict in West Asia.

Another Indian national was among three persons injured when shrapnel from the interception fell on Sweihan Street in Abu Dhabi.

The incident unfolded after air defence systems were activated to neutralise the incoming missile.

While the missile was successfully intercepted, debris fell over a populated area, striking a busy thoroughfare on Sweihan Street and resulting in fatalities and injuries.

Emergency services were deployed immediately to assist victims and manage damage to several vehicles.

Earlier in the conflict, an Indian national was killed in missile and drone attacks on Riyadh on March 18.

Two more Indians lost their lives in an attack on an industrial area in Oman on March 13, while three seafarers died in attacks on merchant vessels during the initial phase of the conflict.

One Indian citizen has also been reported missing.

Dozens of Indians, including workers and seafarers, have been injured in attacks across several countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and Iraq.

The Indian government has prioritised the safety and security of nearly 10 million Indian nationals residing in West Asian countries, as part of its recent outreach to regional leadership.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE together host around eight million Indians.

(With inputs from ANI)