A vehicular accident claimed the life of a Filipino who went to look for a job in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in hopes of giving his family a brighter future, ABS-CBN Middle East Bureau reported.

Leoncio Reyes Jr., was killed after a car driven by a Pakistani national hit him when it jumped on the center island where Reyes was waiting to cross the street.

"Nasagasaan siya dito lang. Dalawang kanto ang layo from the embassy, and the following day, nakausap namin ang kapatid. Nagawan naman namin ng appropriate documents para ma-repatriate na ang kanyang bangkay sa Pilipinas," said Consul Adelio Cruz.

It was learned that Reyes was walking along Passport Road from the Airport Road on his way home. He was about to cross to Jumbo Electronics store when the accident happened.

Priscila Agustin, the victim’s sister said the force of the impact caused his brother to be thrown off 10 meters from where he was standing.

He died on the spot, reports said.

Reyes, a visit visa holder, arrived in Abu Dhabi on May 22, 2008 with the help of a sibling who works in Mussafah, the industrial hub of Abu Dhabi.

A police report disclosed that the car’s driver tried to avoid a woman who was then crossing the street. As a result, the car jumped the curve on the center island and hit Reyes.

The driver is now under detention, reports added.

"Hinihintayin na lang namin ang power of attorney na gagawin ng asawa para ma-submit namin dito sa authorities, ma-monitor and eventually makuha yung blood money para kay Mrs. Reyes at sa kanyang tatlong anak," Cruz said.

Agustin tried but failed to get financial assistance from the embassy for the repatriation of her brother’s remains to the Philippines.

"Iyun ang problema, wala pang insurance si Mr.Reyes. He was here on a visit visa and if I could take this opportunity na maipamahagi natin sana sa ating mga kababayan sa Pilipinas na kung may balak silang pumunta dito para maghanap ng trabaho huwag naman sanang papasok na gamit ay visit visa dahil marami na tayong mga kababayan na lalong napahirap ang sitwasyon. Unang-una, bawal dito ang magtrabaho na mga visit visa," Cruz explained.

Despite this, Agustin was still able to bring her brother’s remains home through contributions from friends and the cash advance she availed from her work.

Reyes is survived by his wife and their three children aged 13, 11 and four years old. - With reports from Vivien Napeñas, Middle East News Bureau, Abu Dhabi