Six killed in motor accidents during last 24 hours

Colombo (News 1st): Six people died in motor-accidents across the island during the 24 hours which ended at 6 am this morning (April 16). Kesbewa A vehicle travelling towards Kesbewa, met with an accident last evening (April 15). A couple sustained injuries in the accident. The accident was a result of the driver falling asleep behind the wheel. Kolonna Two individuals were killed in an accident that took place in Kolonna last night (April 15), on the Embilipitiya - Sooriyakanda main road. Police stated that the accident took place when a three-wheeler travelling at high speed towards Sooriyakanda, had overturned. The deceased couple aged 68 and 52, were residents of Embilipitiya. The 27-year daughter of the deceased couple also sustained injuries in the accident. Police stated that the accident was the result of negligent driving. News 1st correspondent in the area stated that the driver of the three-wheeler who sustained injuries in the accident had fled the scene while he was being taken to the Kolonna District hospital. Embilipitiya  Another individual was killed in an accident that took place in Embilipitiya. A 42-year-old individual was killed after a motorcycle crashed into another motor vehicle. During the past three days, 19 tragic motor accidents had taken place resulting in the death of 20 people. During the same period last year, 50 tragic motor accidents took place resulting in the deaths of 51 people. Police Media Spokesperson making a statement regarding this noted,

"The main reason for the reduction in vehicle accidents is the strict enforcement of the law against drivers. We are also conducting a special program to arrest those who drive under the influence of alcohol. In the 24 hour window which ended at 6 am this morning 329 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and legal action was taken against 5519 drivers for various traffic offences. Special operations commenced on the 11th and will be in place until the 20th. From April 11th to date, 1270 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, while legal action was instituted against 34,980 drivers for traffic violations."

Meanwhile, the Police Constable who was injured in the accident that took place in Gatuwanna along the Dambulla Kurunegala main road has been admitted to the intensive care unit of the Kurunegala hospital. The accident took place when the police constable Sameera Sankalpa who was riding a motorbike collided on to a jeep. Police said that the driver who drove the jeep has been released on bail after he was produced before the court.