Criminal Court Orders Suspect Held in Custody Until Sentencing
The Criminal Court has ordered the suspect involved in a fatal accident near Hulhumalé Central Park yesterday to remain in remand until sentencing.
Mohamed Wisham Sidhqee, 26, from Addu City Hithadhoo, was arrested on charges of reckless driving and potential manslaughter. The Maldives Police Service confirmed that Wisham did not hold a valid driving licence at the time of the incident.
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The victim, 23-year-old Hassan Samah, was critically injured while travelling on a motorbike during the collision and later succumbed to his injuries at Hulhumale’ Hospital.
The incident has prompted public outcry, with calls for a ban on racing cars in the Maldives and stronger measures to combat reckless driving. The growing concern has also led to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu urging authorities to introduce legal reforms aimed at imposing stricter penalties for road offenders.
Phase II Race-Car Accident Driver Remanded for 30 Days
In a separate incident, Ibrahim Ikram, the driver involved in a high-speed crash at Hulhumale’ Phase II on 31st July, has been remanded for an additional 30 days, according to the Maldives Police Service.
The crash occurred when Ikram’s race car lost control and collided with a parked motorcyclist. Video footage of the incident, widely shared on social media, shows the car skidding on a grass median before swerving onto the road and striking the stationary motorbike. The force of the impact sent the motorcyclist flying through the air.
Reports indicate that Ikram initially fled the scene but later claimed that he left due to chest pains sustained in the crash. This marks Ikram’s second remand hearing after he appealed the initial ruling to the High Court, arguing that his first remand was conducted without legal representation.
Road Accident in Hulhumale’ Today Leaves One Seriously Injured
A serious road accident occurred in Hulhumale’ Phase II on this morning, as confirmed by the Maldives Police Service.
The incident, which took place at 06:50, involved a collision between a car and a motorbike. The motorcyclist sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Hulhumale’ Hospital. However, authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the extent of the injuries. The police have launched an investigation into the accident.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a fatal accident reported less than 48 hours earlier, in which 23-year-old Hassan Samah tragically lost his life. Samah was en route to participate in the Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race when the accident occurred. The driver involved, Mohamed Wisham Sidhqee, a 26-year-old from Addu City Hithadhoo, has since been arrested, and the court has ordered his remand until sentencing.
Just days earlier, on 27th July, another serious incident was reported when an out-of-control race car struck a parked motorcyclist, throwing them several metres from the point of impact.
The spate of road accidents, many involving racing cars, has provoked widespread public concern, with increasing calls for stricter regulation or even a ban on racing vehicles.
In response to the rising concerns, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced a series of eight strict measures to curb reckless driving and speeding. Among these measures was the immediate revocation of a permit granted by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to use an area in Hulhumale’ for racing and drifting.
