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Top model recovering after bike accident

Shlomit Malka was rushed to hospital after falling from her electric bike while cycling in Tel Aviv

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A top Israeli model is reported to have regained consciousness after being seriously injured when she fell from her electric bike.

Shlomit Malka, who is also a former host of Israel’s version of The Voice TV talent show, was rushed to hospital after crashing on Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv on Sunday.

The 23-year-old was treated at the scene by Magen David Adom paramedics before being transferred to Ichilov Hospital’s intensive care unit, where she was sedated and placed on a respirator, according to police.

Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said yesterday: “She was seriously injured after crashing the bike, but is not in a life-threatening situation.

“Police arrived at the scene and are looking into how the accident took place.”

On Monday morning, Ms Malka was conscious and communicating with those around her.

Actor Yehuda Levi, who is married to Ms Malka, said: “Shlomit is awake, strong and already joking with her doctors. The love and energy of the Israeli people worked. We felt the strength of the love, and I’m so proud of our people at this moment, we love you.”

Witnesses told police that the path was wet due to a water sprinkler. It is not known whether Ms Malka, who has modelled for Chanel, L’Oreal, Ralph Lauren and Maybelline, was wearing a helmet.

Electric bikes and scooters are a familiar sight in Tel Aviv, where residents often shun cars because of traffic congestion and difficulty in finding parking spaces.

Electric bikes are legally classified as bicycles in Israel, allowing riders to use them without either a licence or a helmet – despite the fact that they can reach speeds of up to about 30mph.

According to official statistics, 150 people were injured in accidents involving electric bikes and scooters in Israel in 2014. Police have been calling for tighter regulation, including banning children under 16 from riding them. 

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