Fatal road accidents on the increase

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

Several road accidents have been reported from different parts of the country during the pre-festive season.

A senior police officer speaking on conditions of anonymity said a few people died each day on the highways due to the carelessness of motorists.

He said the majority of accident victims are motorcycle riders and those who ride on the pillion.

The risk involved in riding a motorcycle is greater than travelling in enclosed vehicles, he said.

Last week, an SLTB bus travelling from Galle to Colombo collided with a private bus and again with a motorcycle in Rathgama. The motor cyclist and the pillion rider who sustained injuries were admitted to the Karapitiya hospital where they succumbed to their injuries, Police Spokesman ASP Prishantha Jayakody told the "Sunday Observer."

Police have identified the deceased as H.A. Amarasiri (48) of Galle and N.A. Piyasiri of Thalgahakande. Four passengers travelling in the private van, two males and two females, were also admitted to the Karapitiya hospital.

Last Tuesday, an 85-year-old pensioner from Wanawasala, Kelaniya was knocked down by a motor cyclist opposite Laksiri Florists at Nalluruwa, Panadura.

The victim, who succumbed to his injuries at the Panadura hospital, was identified as John Edward Gunewardena of Wanawasala, Kelaniya. The motor cyclist was also admitted to the Panadura hospital.

At Illapaluwa, Tissamaharama a motor cyclist rammed into a push-cyclist around 5.30. p.m. on Thursday.

The push-cyclist who sustained critical injuries succumbed to his injuries at the Hambantota hospital. The deceased was identified as W.A. Prematunga (82) of Uduwila. The motor cyclist too was admitted to the Debarawewa hospital.

Meanwhile, a bus transporting schoolchildren in Rajangana veered off the road and plunged into a canal injuring 34 schoolchildren. The children were later admitted to the Nochchiyagama government hospital,

Police said of the 34 injured children, 13 were transferred to the Anuradhapura hospital as they were in a critical condition. The bus driver who sustained injuries was admitted to the Nochchiyagama hospital. The Rajangana police are making further inquiries.