FUJAIRAH // Khalid and Sultan al Yammahi were not the first victims of an industrial accident in Basira al Jabaliya.
Khalifa Khamis, 11, lived just a few hundred metres from the boys' home when he fell into a chemical dump on January 28.
The youngster has been receiving treatment for burns in Germany since February.
"We went out for a stroll with the family after the rain that Friday," his father Ali recalled. "We walked by the valley where the chemical pit was, not knowing what was in there. Khalifa went and stood on the sand nearby, and he slid and fell into the pit. His cousin, who tried to pull him up, also fell in. I had to pull them both out. His whole body, from the neck down to his feet, was burnt by chemical waste."
Khalifa was taken to Rashid and Al Wasl hospitals in Dubai for treatment, before Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stepped in and sent the boy to Germany for treatment at a specialist hospital.
"Doctors are optimistic but his recovery is slow. His uncle has already returned from Germany but he will have to continue treatment there," his father said.
At least four such dumps are located between Dibba and Masafi, a distance of about 40km, where municipal, industrial and household rubbish is taken to be burnt. They were fenced off a few months ago. The fires burn at night but smoulder all year round.
Mr Khamis said municipal authorities in Dibba should be more vigilant and provide more safeguards for their residents.
"After my son and his cousin fell into the chemical waste pit they only set up a barrier near the main road," he said. "We have made complaints to police and the municipality but have not seen any serious reaction from them. Livestock and people still wander in those dangerous areas and could potentially be killed.
"Signs were posted in Arabic only but we still see Asian workers around the area," he said. "We are worried more will get hurt."
