Train-car collision: Family of five dead

A deadly train-car collision which occurred yesterday at Kurana-Katunayake rail crossing around 10.15 a.m. resulted in the death of five family members including his wife, his two children and their grandmother. The husband who sustained serious injuries and admitted to the Colombo National Hospital, succumbed to his injuries at the Colombo National Hospital, Police Media Spokesman SSP Ranjit Gunesekera told the Sunday Observer.

The Chilaw bound train No. 414 ploughed into the car No. WB GK 3619 while the driver attempted to cross the rail track despite the red light indicating the oncoming train.

The accident happened on Samagi Mawatha in the Seeduwa police area. The vehicle involved in the accident is an Alto model, belonging to the Central Environmental Authority (CEA).

According to police, the dead have been identified as Anil Sumetha (54), a senior officer attached to the CEA and a resident of Samagi Mawatha, Kurana. His wife Nirmani (50) son M.D. Anupa Nipuna (16), daughter M.D. Sujini (18) and mother-in-law Susan Silva (70) were the other victims. The bodies are lying at the Negombo Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination.

Seeduwa police is investigating. - JJ