Motorbikes collide at Maafannu, Male' City

Two motorbikes collided on Sunday evening at Maafannu district, Male' City.

The two bikers, and one passenger, involved in the accident sustained serious injuries. They are receiving treatment at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

Maldives Police Service in a message shared with local media confirmed the accident took place around 18:29hrs on Sunday evening, near Maafannu bus terminal.

Police confirmed that three men, one local and two expatriates, sustained injuries from the accident. 

The law enforcement authority however, did not specify details of their injuries but added they are now investigating the case.

The number of dangerous accidents have risen in the past week, two lives lost in previous two accidents.

These include a dangerous collision at Boduthakurufaanu Magu near the Sinamale' Bridge on Wednesday last week, with significant damages to the biker who later passed away.

Another was reported on Friday early hours, that claimed the life of a 23-year-old Correctional Service officer, who had traveled to Hulhumale' to attend Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race. The incident took place Central Park.

While one more accident was reported on Saturday morning, with one sustaining serious injuries, another accident was reported near Villa petrol shed that is situated at the main entrance road to Hulhumale' from Sinamale' highway. Two were injured and taken for treatment from this incident.

Police statistics revealed a total of 1,907 accidents have been reported so far in 2024, which is an increase of 431 cases compared to the same period in 2023.

The alarming rise in road accidents have sparked public criticism over lack of traffic law enforcement, while others have called out for stricter measures against reckless driving.

Meanwhile, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has also instructed relevant authorities to implement eight stringent measures aimed at curbing illegal and reckless driving.

One of these decisions include the revocation of the permitted granted by Housing Development Corporation (HDC) for sports vehicles to drift and race at a designated area in Hulhumale', with immediate effect.

Though calls for a ban on sports vehicles have been polarized, majority consensus favors a ban on such vehicles including the restriction of importing accessories used to modify vehicles that enhance loud noises from them.