ABHA: A Saudi schoolteacher was killed and two others were injured as torrential floods swept away their car while crossing Wadi Al-Raith near the southern city of Abha yesterday.
Police identified the dead teacher as Hassan Hekami. His colleagues, Yahya Moukli and Abdullah Mukhshie, were injured in the accident. All three teachers were on their way to school.
Another teacher, Adel Mokli, was missing yesterday after his car was swept away in the same valley. Civil Defense rescuers, including divers, could not find Mokli after searching for him in a 25-square kilometer area around the incident spot.
Education directors in the southern provinces have urged drivers transporting teachers and students to be watchful for torrential floods.
Ibrahim Al-Hamdan, acting director of education in Al-Baha province, told Arab News that some schools in the province were allowed to close on Saturday because of the incessant rains.
“Such precautionary measures are taken to ensure the safety of students and teachers,” he said.
Abdul Rahman Al-Faseel, director of education in Asir province, said all school bus drivers were undergoing safety training to deal with car accidents, fires and floods.
He said the training courses were conducted with the cooperation of the Civil Defense, the Red Crescent and the Health Affairs Department. “Drivers will be punished if they fail to follow safety regulations,” he added.
