Television presenter in hospital after Dubai car crash

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Television presenter in hospital after Dubai car crash A Dubai television presenter is in a serious condition in hospital after a crash caused by a speeding driver. MBC entertainment anchor Shahad Ballan, 27, suffered multiple fractures including a broken pelvis, while her driver was killed. The accident took place in the Jebel Ali area on Sunday afternoon as she travelled to Abu Dhabi from Media City. Ballan and her driver, who has not been named, were involved in a minor collision with two other cars, MBC said. However, a car travelling above the speed limit then ploughed into the stationary vehicles. MBC said in a statement: “While they were stopped on the left lane of the road, a speeding car came and crashed into them from behind. The driver was killed and she sustained severe injuries.” Dubai Police said Ballan was trapped inside the car and Civil Defence managed to free her using hydraulic cutters. She was transferred to hospital at 3.15pm and was taken straight in for emergency surgery. A friend told 7DAYS she is now in a stable condition. Police could not provide details about the speeding driver or whether he was injured. MBC said the Syrian national had just finished recording her first episode of the popular ET showbiz programme. The channel aired a special message to viewers on Monday night explaining what had happened. A friend, television presenter Mais Mohammed, told MBC: “She called me after the first accident saying she was fine and waiting for another car to pick her up. Later I found out she had another serious accident. “She was conscious when she arrived at hospital but until now I haven’t been able to see her. I ask that everybody pray for her.” Ali Jaber, group TV director at MBC, tweeted: “Our thoughts and prayers are for Shahad. Get well soon, we’re waiting to welcome you back to your channel.” He added: “God bless the driver.” Faisal Al Zahrani, a a presenter on ET with Ballan, added: “Please pray for my colleague Shahad Ballan. She had an accident and needs our prayers.” MBC confirmed that Ballan is in a stable condition. Ballan graduated from American University in Dubai in 2011 and worked for Dubai TV for two years, before joining MBC in 2013. ali.shouk@7days.ae Read the original story at: Television presenter in hospital after Dubai car crash