Muscat – A single phone call in the morning of July 11 turned an ordinary day at Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Dhofar into one of the most testing emergencies the facility has faced in recent years.

Within minutes, doctors and nurses were responding to a multi-vehicle accident that left five people dead and 11 others, including children, fighting for their lives.

At around 7am, the hospital’s Emergency and Crisis Room was alerted by the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority to a serious three-vehicle collision on Saih al Khairat Road in Maqshan. Sixteen people were rushed to the hospital.

Despite efforts to save them, five were declared dead on arrival, while 11 sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical.

“It was an emotional and overwhelming day,” recalled Dr Amer bin Salem al Hamar, describing the harrowing moments in the emergency ward.

Even as the team worked on the accident victims, doctors also managed three unrelated critical cases – a stroke, a heart attack, and a patient with angina. Remarkably, no treatment was delayed.

“Thank God, all cases were dealt with full readiness,” Dr Hamar said. “Despite the scale of the accident and multiple injuries, care for other patients was not disrupted.”

The Ministry of Health, which documented the incident as part of its Stories from the Emergency Department series, described it as ‘a defining moment’ for the hospital and ‘a day the team will never forget’.

Medical experts noted that the response highlighted the value of preparedness in emergency medicine. “Handling 16 accident victims while also treating unrelated emergencies shows the importance of regular simulation training and investment in healthcare resilience,” said Dr Khalid al Siyabi, a consultant in emergency medicine.

Road safety specialists also stressed the need for caution, particularly during khareef season when traffic to Dhofar increases. “Strict adherence to speed limits, regular rest breaks, and ensuring vehicles are roadworthy can prevent tragedies like this,” said transport safety expert Eng Salim al Rashdi.

For those on duty at the hospital, the experience remains deeply personal.

“Behind every case number is a family, a story, a life,” Dr Hamar reflected. “That is what makes our duty both painful and noble,” he stressed.