Three killed, 45 injured in bus crash

Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

Three persons were killed and forty five persons wounded when three buses collided at Podderamulla in Wadduwa yesterday morning, Police Media Spokesman, SSP Ranjith Gunesekera told the Daily News.

The deceased were identified as K. Kapilasena of Alwis Town Hendala, Chikamani Aluthgama (44) and Nevindra Aluthgama (15) residents of Pragathi Mawatha, Veyangoda.

The wounded were despatched to various hospitals in the area. SSP Gunesekera attributed the cause for high speeding.

The two buses were heading towards Galle when the collision occurred with a bus in the opposite direction. Meanwhile the driver of the Coaster bus who sustained serious injuries was admitted to the ICU of the Panadura hospital.

One driver is being treated at the hospital while the other is being questioned by the Wadduwa police. Panadura Hospital sources said six women and 12 persons were being treated at the hospital. Several others who sustained serious were operated upon while some were to be despatched to the Colombo National Hospital.

Wadduwa Police have recorded the statements of several persons including passengers who travelled in the buses. OIC Traffic Wadduwa Sub-Inspector Calistus Perera conducted the investigation into the incident.