4 fatalities reported in Vavuniya train-car collision

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Four fatalities and two injuries were reported when the Yal Devi train plying from Jaffna to Matara had collided with a car in Pandikkeidakuram, Vavuniya. The incident had taken place at around 10.30 am this morning (September 16). Eight individuals had traveled in the car and police confirmed the three individuals including the driver who had sustained injuries were admitted to the Vavuniya hospital and a 11-year-old child had survived the accident. Several area residents expressed the following ideas;

"There is no gate or lights at the crossing. There is no one to protect this crossing. That is why this happened." "I have written several times requesting that this road be renovated. I have informed the divisional secretary, Omanthei police and the railway department. But we are yet to receive a solution. I hope at least now, a gate will be built since a major accident was reported."

An official at the Railway Control Room said that this railway crossing had been constructed illegally.