16-year-old injured in fatal accident discharged from hospital; jogger still in ICU

The 16-year-old boy who was injured in the fatal accident that cost the life of another teenage boy has been discharged from hospital after treatment for injuries.

The accident last Saunday night took place near the Maafannu Bus Terminal at around 8:17pm, and involved a speeding motorcycle that hit a jogger using the zebra crossing before crashing into a pickup.

The accident resulted in injuries to three people; a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy on the motorcycle, and a 40-year-old man who was crossing the road while out jogging.

All three were taken to the Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

The 17-year-old died from his injuries on the same night.

IGMH confirmed to Sun on Sunday that the 16-year-old who had been receiving treatment in the ward was discharged on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the hospital stated that the 40-year-old patient, previously reported to have been taken off ventilator support, remains under care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The 17-year-old boy who succumbed to his injuries has been identified as the Yoosuf Alsan Mohamed, the son of musicians Mohamed Abdul Ghani (Theyrava) and Mariyam Ashfa.

CCTV footage of the accident shows the speeding motorcycle hit the jogger as he used the zebra crossing to jog to the other side of the road. He is seen trying unsuccessfully to move out of the way before getting hit by the motorcycle and getting thrown to the ground, along with the boy in the backseat of the motorcycle. Meanwhile, the boy driving the motorcycle got thrown under the pickup which was headed in the opposite direction.

The accident is under investigation by the police.

Traffic accidents remain alarmingly high in the Maldives, especially in Male’ area where there is an excess of vehicles.

According to statistics released by the Police, a total of 1,101 accidents were reported in Malé City and on the Sinamalé Bridge and highway during the first six months of this year. Of these, 61 accidents resulted in serious injuries. Between 150 and 200 accidents were reported each month.

Notably, a bill has been submitted to the Parliament on Saturday proposing amendments to the Penal Code to penalize reckless driving. The bill was submitted by opposition MDP’s South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem.