Errant drivers increase accident toll

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

Several motor accidents have been reported during the past few months from various parts of the island resulting in deaths of passengers and pedestrians alike. Most victims have been innocent schoolchildren mowed down by reckless motorists while crossing the road. The Police Media Spokesman, Senior DIG Nimal Mediweka told the Sunday Observer that excessive speeding had resulted in these accidents.

According to Police, the latest motor accident was reported at Bakamuna when a private bus travelling on the main Bakamuna-Giritale Road collided head-on with an SLTB bus travelling from the opposite direction at the 24th mile post at Athanakadawela injuring five schoolgirls and ten adult passengers. The accident occurred at 7.45 am last Friday. According to the Police Media Spokesman Senior DIG Nimal Mediweka, the five injured school girls and ten adults were admitted to Athanakade Government Hospital. The driver of the private bus was admitted to Bakamuna Hospital.

Last Thursday three persons were killed and eleven passengers were injured when a SLTB bus travelling to Colombo collided head-on with a private luxury bus travelling to Deniyaya. The accident occurred at Kosgoda around 12.25 am on Thursday. The deceased have been identified as the driver of the private bus and a soldier while the third person has not been identified. The eleven injured persons were admitted to Balapitiya Government Hospital.