Six cyclists injured in road accident in ‘excellent condition’; last one to be discharged soon

AMMAN — The last of the six cyclists who were hit by a car last Friday is waiting to be discharged from hospital “in a day or two”, he said on Wednesday. 

Naeem Khayyo, who is currently receiving treatment in Luzmila Hospital in Jabal Luweibdeh, told The Jordan Times over the phone that he is feeling “much better” now after he suffered from blunt trauma to the chest and legs.

Commenting on the accident that took place in the Abdoun tunnel in west Amman, the head of the accidents division at the Central Traffic Department, Lt. Col. Bassem Kharabsheh, said the six cyclists were hit by a car when the driver “suddenly changed lanes”.  

“The young lady who was driving the car tried to avoid the cyclists, but the car swerved and hit the inner side of the tunnel,” Kharabsheh told The Jordan Times over phone, noting that the cyclists were injured due to the rebound of that hit. 

Kharabsheh added that cycling and motorcycling groups must be accompanied by a car that uses warning lights to notify motorists, but stressed that the absence of an accompanying vehicle does not absolve motorists from the responsibility of accidents.

Khayyo, 16, is a member of the Jordan Cycling Federation and wants to go back to cycling training once he recovers.

Federation President Jamal Faouri told The Jordan Times that the five other cyclists, who are also members, are in “excellent” condition, after receiving treatment at the King Hussein Medical Centre’s emergency room earlier this week.

He noted that the federation incurred financial losses worth JD15,000 due to accident.

“The damaged bicycles are some of the ones we use in races and competitions,” Faouri said, adding that each of the bicycles is worth around JD3,000.

He noted that the injured cyclists will commit to their medical follow-up, voicing hope that they will be able to participate in an upcoming regional cycling competition in September.

Kharabsheh urged motorists to “use all their senses” while driving and to abide by driving regulations to avoid accidents, or at least minimise losses to life and property.