Muscat: A Dutchman, who spent his childhood in Oman during the 1990s, is currently seeking the Omani individual who came to his aid after he was struck by a vehicle whose driver fled the scene.
On January 14, 1998, Sultan Qaboos Street was the primary thoroughfare in Muscat, with the only shopping centers located in Al-Qurum. The area beyond Seeb International Airport was not the developed suburb it is today.
On that day, 11-year-old Erik Prins was riding his newly acquired bicycle, imported from the Netherlands, back home from PDO School at Ras al Hamra. In a country where cars dominated the roads, cyclists were a rare sight, particularly during that era. Unlike many PDO expatriates, Erik lived outside the PDO camp, making his journey home more complicated.
At approximately 3:15 PM, Erik was struck by an SUV while crossing Saih al-Maleh Street, near Mina al-Fahal in Al-Qurum. The driver who hit him did not stop. Erik was left alone and could only recall waking up in Khoula Hospital five days later.
“I woke up and vaguely saw my parents standing next to my bed. I had no idea what had happened,” Erik recounted to the Times of Oman. “Later, my parents informed me that I had been in a coma for five days, and I still couldn’t speak after regaining consciousness.”
Erik sustained multiple injuries, including a broken leg and a head injury, requiring over a month in the hospital, during which he missed school activities, including a seaside trip and a visit to Fahud. Fortunately, he received timely medical attention; while the driver abandoned him, a vigilant Omani witness promptly contacted PDO, ensuring Erik was taken to the emergency ward.
Erik reflected on the past, stating, “This individual truly saved my life by stepping in when it mattered most. Being in a coma and suffering a broken leg indicates the severity of the situation. If he hadn’t been there, the outcome could have been far worse.”
Following this incident, Erik faced a lengthy recovery, which involved multiple surgeries in both Oman and the Netherlands. “I distinctly remember being in a cast from my chest down to my toes. I was completely immobilized and unable to do anything; it was a terrible experience,” Erik recounted.
Once he had healed, Erik and his parents had the opportunity to meet Saleh, the compassionate bystander. “My parents and I were incredibly thankful to him, but I was too young at the time to express my gratitude directly,” Erik noted.
In the summer of 1998, after spending five years in Oman, Erik and his family returned to the Netherlands. Over the years, Erik made several trips back to Oman. His deep connection to the Sultanate inspired him to learn Arabic, and in 2016, he returned to Oman to work as a Special Correspondent for the Times of Oman.
Now, after all these years, Erik is eager to locate Saleh. Although he no longer has any contact information, he remembers Saleh’s surname and that his wife was employed at the Ras al-Hamra Recreational Centre at that time. “After our time in Oman, the Sultanate has held a special place in my heart, particularly because of my accident,” Erik expressed. “This was a significant chapter in my life, and I feel compelled to reach out to Saleh and share my journey with him.”
