Forty four die at rail crossings

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

Unprotected railway crossings have become the most hazardous path for motorists, motorcycle riders and even for those who walk along railway tracks where several have died due to being knocked down by trains while some have sustained serious injuries and maimed for life, the Police Media Spokesman Superintendent of Police Ajith Rohana told the Sunday Observer .

He said according to reports reaching police headquarters 44 persons have died while 26 have been injured while attempting to cross unprotected railway crossing without paying attention to on coming trains. The latest tragic accident was reported from Chilaw area on 3rd July 2012 around 4.30 p.m. "The tragic accidents happen due to carelessness and negligence of motorists and motor cycle riders. Therefore motorists should carefully observe road and traffic signs and switch off radios and cassette players in their vehicles while crossing an unprotected railway crossing," the spokesman said.

The following railway accidents have been reported up to 30th June 2012:

(1) 3rd July 2012 at Bogahawetiya railway crossing where a man (52) and a woman (58) died; (2) 29th June 2012 at Suduhumpola Kandy railway crossing a man (42) died; (3) 27th June 2012 at Gunesekera Mawatha railway crossing at Kamburugamuwa Matara a man (36) died; (4) 27th June 2012 at the Magoda-Galle Harbour railway crossing a man (32) and a woman (45) were injured;

(5) 18th June 2012 at Nittuwana Kurunegala railway crossing a man (42) and a woman (32) died; (6) 12th June 2012 at Karapitiya Galle railway crossing a lorry was damaged; (7) 12th June 2012 at New Bus stand railway crossing a man (25) died; (8) 1st July 2012 at Diyabudyamagama at Anuradhapura railway crossing a man (65) died; (9) 30th June 2012 at Mirigama Ganegoda railway crossing a man (21) and woman (45) injured; (10) 27th June 2012, 150th mile post at Diyatalawa-Badulla railway crossing a man died (18) and woman (16) died; (11) 19 May 2012 at Dematagoda railway crossing a man died; (12) 17th May 2012 at Nanawela Veyangoda railway crossing 15 persons were injured; (13) 5th May 2012 at Wellawatte railway crossing an unidentified man died; (14) 5th May 2012 at Wedikanda-Mount Lavinia railway crossing a man (56) died; (15) 5th December 2011 at Fort Railway station at 6th platform a man (67) died; (16) 2nd May 2012 Thudella-Ja-ela railway crossing a boy (13) died; (17) 13th May 2012 at Wellawatte railway crossing, a man (64) died.