BAKU, Azerbaijan - A tourist suffered a serious head injury after a scooter wheel entered an uncovered storm-drain opening on Afiyaddin Jalilov Street in Baku, according to a local television report.
The drain was missing its protective grate, causing the rider to fall, Vesti Baku reported, citing Baku TV footage from the scene.
A Baku TV correspondent showed the open drain and said the depression was about 10 centimeters, or nearly 4 inches, deep. Such openings pose a risk to pedestrians, scooter riders and vehicles.
The Azerbaijan State Agency of Automobile Roads told Baku TV that storm-drain grates are periodically stolen. The agency said it reports such cases to law enforcement and replaces missing grates when they are identified.
The agency promised to restore the grate at the site of the accident soon. The report did not confirm that the work had been completed.
Residents interviewed by the broadcaster said some grates disappear again only days after being installed. The report did not establish why the grate was missing at this location.
The tourist’s nationality, age and subsequent medical condition were not disclosed.