Van flips in Hulhumalé

Four people were injured when a van travelling at high speed from Hulhumalé towards the landmark Sinamalé Bridge flipped on Monday night, local media reported, as the accident toll increased since the bridge opened.

Hulhumalé hospital confirmed to Avas that they sustained minor injuries and were taken in for treatment around 11:30 pm.

Eye-witnesses told VFP that the van overturned on Nirolhu Road, which connects  Hulhumalé with the airport, and that glass was scattered across the road afterwards.

Avas also reported that four others were being treated at Hulhumalé hospital following separate bridge-related accidents, bringing Monday night’s injury total to eight.

There were four accidents in less than 24 hours after the bridge was opened to the public.

Local media reported two motorbike accidents and a social media user posted a video of the aftermath of a motorbike collision with a bus. Photos were circulating on social media about three accidents before 11pm on Friday night.

Maldives Transport Authority has advised people to wear helmets while on motorbikes and scooters.

A police circular also warned against riding with children who could not sit on their own and reminded drivers that overtaking other vehicles, changing lanes, or making U-turns on the bridge was illegal.

Police say people are violating traffic regulations and that they will tighten controls on the bridge.

Meanwhile a video of clashes between two groups that went viral was mistakenly identified as a gang fight, when it was really a police training exercise.

A police spokesman told Avas the training was being held ahead of a presidential election scheduled for September 23.

Photo of van accident from Avas