Family grief-struck after unlicensed motorcyclist fatally hit 8-year-old and leaves brother traumatized

SOUTHEAST, LONDON: A family has been left grappling with severe mental and physical health challenges as they strive to recover from the aftermath of a tragic accident that claimed the life of an 8-year-old.

The tragic incident happened on Sunday, February 19, 2023, when a motorcyclist collided into Mohamed Mao, 49, and his two sons, Mustafa and Ahmed, when they were on their way to a prayer session.

Mustafa lost his life, prompting his mother to undertake an incredible action. In the aftermath, she ran 1.3 miles to the location of the accident, tears streaming, in a display of overwhelming grief.

What are the grivances faced by Mohammed's family aftermath accident?

The tragic incident unfolded near the Greenwich Islamic Centre in southeast London after the three had left their Woolwich Dockyard residence and were navigating traffic lights around 7:30 pm. Mustafa was flung several yards and declared dead at the scene.

Mohamed remained in an induced coma for several weeks, undergoing multiple surgeries and intensive therapy to recover his speech and memory. 

On Thursday, October 19, Mohammed revisited the scene to discuss the tragic incident, shedding light on his and Ahmed's ongoing recovery and sharing the profound grief his family endured.

Mohamed, who believes he spent approximately two months in a coma, underwent extensive therapy before being informed of the accident's details. He admitted feeling disoriented upon waking, initially unaware of his own identity.

Learning about Mustafa's passing, he said, "I was still confused a bit. They told me about my son about two months later...It was very bad; I wasn't thinking properly, but I was feeling very bad. I felt guilty; that it happened because I took him from home that day. I used to think it was because of me."

Despite the immense grief, Mohamed acknowledged that his Muslim faith has been a source of strength during the grieving process.

Despite the difficulties they are grappling with, Mohamed and his wife, Heyfa Akubar, 43, express a strong desire to relocate from their current residence and are currently on the council's waiting list. Mohamed shared that their decision to move stemmed from the fact that the house held too many memories for the children and his wife.

When inquired about Ahmed's recovery, Mohamed explained that while he has physically recovered, there are noticeable changes in his behavior. 

Ahmed now prefers solitude, maintaining a quiet demeanor and choosing to be alone. Mohamed reflected on how Ahmed used to be more open and outgoing before the accident but now exhibits withdrawal, even at school. Mohamed shed light on the close bond between the two brothers, being the only boys in the house, and highlighted Ahmed's reluctance to revisit the painful events.

Mohamed's friend, Swaleh Bocus, recalled being inside the center when news of the accident was announced, leading the congregation to gather outside.

Swaleh recounted the heartbreaking scene of Heyfa rushing through police cordon and collapsing to the ground in tears. The devastated mother had traversed over 1.3 miles from her home to the crash scene upon hearing that her little son had been involved in the accident.

He claimed, "[Heyfa] had seen her son's things; she knew he had died. She just fell down and collapsed, and the officers and paramedics surrounded her to comfort her. She didn't stand up for nearly half an hour; she was just crying. They said, 'Leave her! Don't run to her! She's the mom!' She could see the boy", as per amomama

Motorcyclist surrendered to police

The individual reportedly responsible for the collision is now in police custody. Nicholas Hopkins, 20, was operating a motorbike without a license or insurance. 

On November 17, Nicholas from Burrage Grove, Plumstead, admitted guilt for causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving unlicensed, causing death while uninsured, two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and possession of Class B drugs.

A mugshot released by the police displayed him grinning widely. Nicholas is currently in custody, with sentencing scheduled on January 26, 2024.