Police Seek Criminal Charges Following Fatal Car Crash in Hulhumale’

The police have requested the Prosecutor General’s Office to press charges against a man involved in a fatal car crash near Central Park, which resulted in the death of a young man visiting Hulhumale’ for a marathon.

The incident occurred outside the Ooredoo headquarters at 02:48 am on September 6. The victim, 23-year-old Hassan Samah from L. Isdhoo, was in Malé to participate in a marathon scheduled to commence later that morning. He was transporting other participants to Central Park when his vehicle was struck by a sports car driven by Mohamed Visam Sidqi, 26, from S. Feydhoo, who is reported to have been speeding.

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A police spokesperson confirmed that the investigation into the crash had been completed and forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office for potential charges on Saturday, October 19. However, the police did not disclose the specific charges being sought.

Hassan Samah suffered serious head injuries in the collision and was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to Hulhumale’ Hospital.

Visam, who is reported to have been driving without a valid licence, was arrested on the same day. He has since been remanded in custody by the Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court, pending the outcome of his trial.

Visam has appealed his detention to the High Court, arguing that Samah was driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street, which he claims contributed to the accident. He has also contended that the Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court lacks the jurisdiction to hear his case.

In response, the state has rejected Visam’s claims, asserting that the Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court is indeed authorised to handle the remand case, given that the incident occurred within its jurisdiction. The High Court has yet to render a decision on the appeal.

Hassan Samah’s death is among several fatal accidents that have occurred in the Maldivian capital in recent weeks. In response, police have increased street patrols, which statistics indicate have been effective in reducing the number of accidents in the area.