GAROWE, Somalia — A police officer and a bajaj (three-wheeler) driver were killed on Monday night following a serious traffic accident in the Puntland capital, Garowe.

The incident occurred at around 11:00 p.m. near Guureeye Hotel, when a private saloon vehicle reportedly driven by an individual said to be a relative of the Puntland President fatally struck a bajaj.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Puntland Police Command identified the deceased officer as Abdirahman Yusuf Ahmed, one of the newly recruited young officers who had recently joined the force. The bajaj driver also died at the scene.

Preliminary findings indicate that the driver of the saloon car was believed to be under the influence of intoxicants at the time of the collision. Security forces later apprehended the suspect, who sustained injuries during the accident and remains in custody.

Police officials say a formal investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the deaths. No further information about the suspect has been disclosed pending the outcome of the inquiry.

The incident has attracted public attention due to the reported connection between the suspect and the presidential family, with many calling for a transparent and impartial investigation.