While a bus belonging to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) had fled after colliding with a motorcycle on Tuesday night, the company has said that the driver had been unaware that the accident occurred.

The driver, 54, had collided into a motorcycle near the bus terminal in Hulhumalé on Tuesday night, killing a 13-year-old.

The girl was in the passenger seat, while a 51-year-old woman was operating the vehicle; the older woman did not sustain any serious injuries, according to the police.

Police also revealed that the driver had fled the scene and was stopped shortly after on the highway.

Citing MTCC CEO Hassan Shah, local media outlets have reported that the driver had not fled the scene but that he was unaware that the accident had taken place.

He stressed that others traveling on the bus had not realized this as well, adding that there where no damages to the bus.

Shah further said that this particular driver has been employed at MTCC since 2015. He said that the driver does not suffer from health issues, and that he does not work overtime.

The CEO added that MTCC will fully cooperate in the police’s investigation into the accident.

Police have also made an appeal to the public, asking for any eyewitnesses to come forward.

The accident was reported at around 10:40pm on Tuesday, and the 13-year-old was pronounced dead on arrival at Tree Top Hospital.