The celebration of the return of a Saudi citizen studying abroad turned into a family tragedy after he and his four siblings were killed in a road accident by a drunk driver.

The driver rammed into the family’s car on Thursday night in Riyadh, killing five members of the same family. The victims were buried in Ommul Hamam public cemetery on Friday in the presence of a large number of relatives, friends and sympathizers.

Sheikh Saud Al-Duhaim told online media he wanted to surprise his son, Abdul Malik, with a newly purchased car in celebration of his return from the US, after passing the TOEFL English exam.

Abdul Malik had performed Haj with his father for the first time and had been attending classes in a neighborhood mosque in Riyadh.

Sheikh Al-Duhaim is a veteran “Daaiyah,” or Islamic propagator, who has been working at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for 28 years.

He said his daughters wanted to celebrate their brother’s return with a small get-together.

His children — Abdul Malik, Hassan, Noha, Nada and Abeer — went for a ride in the new vehicle near their house at their brother’s request.

“Their vehicle was hit by the car of a drunken driver as they were driving home on the Imam Anas bin Malik roundabout on King Abdulaziz Road,” said Al-Duhaim. The five siblings were killed instantly.

According to a report, the man was driving at 180 to 200 km/h at a location that had witnessed a similar incident a few weeks ago. The accident site contains many rest houses, which are frequented by citizens and residents.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Khalid bin Bandar has ordered an investigation into the incident while extending his condolences to the family. He said that his office would closely monitor the case.

Al-Duhaim has urged authorities to issue deterrent punishment against the man responsible for the accident. He also demanded a crackdown on those who pose a danger to the community through irresponsible behavior that endangers the lives of innocent people.

He called for a concerted drive against the use of alcohol and drugs in the interest of public safety and security.