Czech President Pavel Hospitalised After Motorcycle Accident
The Czech President, Petr Pavel, aged 62, was injured and hospitalised following a motorcycle accident. However, his injuries are not serious, his office announced on Thursday, as reported by CTK agency and News.ro.
"The President was injured while riding a motorcycle. The injuries are not serious, but will require a short period of observation at the hospital," Pavel's office mentioned on platform X.
The office stated that more information will be provided when available.
The President's spokesperson, Vít Kolar, told Czech Television (ČT) that Pavel will probably remain in the hospital for a few days. Kolar specified that the President's hospitalisation is not expected to significantly impact his schedule, considering the upcoming weekend.
The police specified that they will not open an investigation because the accident took place on a closed sports circuit. According to Denik N, the President was injured on a closed circuit in the Central Bohemia region.
Pavel, aged 62, former Chief of the Czech Army and a high-ranking NATO official, assumed the role of President last year, but has kept his hobby of motorcycling.
Last summer, a video appeared showing Pavel riding a motorcycle without a helmet. Later, the President apologised and announced that he would donate money to help motorcyclists who have ended up in wheelchairs due to others' fault.
The retired General is known for his good physical condition. For example, he went parachuting in February this year and enjoys hiking during his regional visits.
In April, the President was injured in the face during shooting practice at the Czech weapons factory in Uherskobrod, in the Zlín region. During the visit, he suffered a minor wound near his eyebrows while shooting a long-range weapon, but the wound did not require medical treatment at that time.
Pavel underwent a medical examination before his inauguration as President and then published a health report shortly before arriving at Prague Castle. According to doctors, the complete examination showed that he is medically fit to fulfil all presidential duties without exception.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
