Flores Timur, East Nusa Tenggara – A solo motorcycle accident on a main road in Flores has left a Russian national with serious injuries, highlighting the perils of road travel in Indonesia’s more remote and challenging landscapes.
The crash occurred on Tuesday (30/12/2025) at approximately 11:05 AM local time on the Trans Larantuka-Maumere road in East Flores Regency. The rider, identified as 27-year-old Maksim Shmelev, a resident of North Kuta, Badung, Bali, lost control of his yellow Suzuki V-Strom 250 motorcycle (registration DK 5772 QK).
According to the Head of Traffic Police for the East Flores Police, Iptu Agus Heriawan, preliminary investigations indicate that Shmelev was traveling at high speed from Maumere towards Larantuka. The accident happened in front of the PT Rerolara plantation in Hokeng Jaya Village, Wulanggitang District.
“The rider encountered a stretch of uneven, wavy mud and sand material piled at the roadside, which caused him to lose control,” explained Iptu Agus Heriawan. “The motorcycle then veered off the road and collided with a tree.”
Following the impact, Shmelev was left lying on the road. Local residents provided immediate assistance, transporting him first to the Boru Community Health Centre (Puskesmas) for initial medical treatment. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was subsequently referred to the TC Hillers Regional General Hospital in Maumere, Sikka Regency.
Police reported that the expatriate sustained a range of serious injuries, including abrasions to his left elbow, bleeding from the ear and mouth, and impact trauma to the back of his head and chest. His current condition has not been disclosed.
The incident serves as a stark reminder for both international tourists and resident expatriates exploring regions like Flores. While offering breathtaking scenery, roads in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) can present sudden hazards, including uneven surfaces, loose gravel, and unexpected obstacles, especially after weather events. The case underscores the critical importance of moderate speed, heightened vigilance, and appropriate riding gear when navigating such terrain.
Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances of the crash.
#HeyBaliNews | Responsible Reporting for the Bali and Global Community
He’s safe and recovery. People donate money to his treatment and he got surgery already, can talk, breathe, move some parts of body.