VICTORIA, Seychelles — A rented car hit the metal barrier protecting the Victoria Clock Tower yesterday morning, causing severe damage to the structure and overturning. The driver, a 24-year-old man from St Louis, was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
According to a police communique, the incident happened at around 8.50am. The car, travelling along Independence Avenue towards the clock tower, was being driven by the young man when it struck the barrier and overturned. Police said the man was transported to the Seychelles Hospital for medical treatment and later released.
Meanwhile, a team from the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts (SNICH), led by its secretary general David Andre, was on site soon after the accident to assess the damage to the barrier. Permanent Secretary Cecile Kalebi said repair work will be effected immediately, given the location of the damage in central Victoria.
“A damaged barrier is an eyesore and we cannot wait until renovation of the monument itself starts in a few weeks. Apart from visible damages, the person responsible for the damage will be held accountable,” Ms Kalebi said. Police have opened an investigation into the accident.
