A 22-year-old motorcyclist involved in a collision with a pedestrian on Wednesday has been detained under court order, according to a spokesperson for the Maldives Police Service. The victim has been identified as Ali Hafeez, a senior lecturer at Maldives National University’s Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Studies (FHTS).
The incident occurred around 5 a.m. near Red Wave shop on Majeedhee Magu when the motorcyclist, reportedly speeding, collided with Hafeez at a zebra crossing. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the impact threw the 50-year-old victim a significant distance. Hafeez is said to have sustained critical injuries to his head.
Initially, it was believed that the collision was a hit-and-run, as a video capturing the incident showed the motorcyclist swiftly fleeing the scene. The video quickly circulated on social media, sparking outrage and concern. However, Police later clarified that the rider himself was actually taken to the hospital immediately following the collision. However, it was determined that the motorcyclist sustained only minor injuries in the incident.
As news of the incident spread, Hafeez’s students and colleagues took to social media to share fond memories and express their well wishes for his recovery. Currently, Hafeez remains in the intensive care unit (ICU) at ADK Hospital. Considering his condition, his family is making preparations to take him abroad for further treatment.