Fatal accident in Welikanda claims 5 lives

Colombo (News1st) - A collision between a van and a hand-tractor on the Batticaloa - Welikanda road left 05 people dead and another dozen injured. The victims died when they were returning home after witnessing the annual Poson Perahera at the Dimbulagala Aranya Senasanaya. When we reached the area by this afternoon their remains were placed at the Pollonaruwa General Hospital for further investigations. The victims who lost their lives in this morning's accident are all related. 32-year-old E.A. Pushpakumara, and his 30-year-old wife R.G.A. Sanjeewani were among those who lost their lives. Sanjeewani's elder sister, 32-year-old R.G.A. Sakuntala and her aunt W.A. Sepalika were also among the victims. The 5th victim B.M. Anoma Kumari a resident of Medirigiriya is also a relative of the other deceased individuals. 12 people injured in the accidents are still being treated at the Pollonaruwa general hospital. The accident occurred when a van rear-ended a tractor near the Kolakanawadiya area along the Batticaloa-Welimada road. The van involved in the accident was traveling from Katunayake to Batticaloa. The van driver had sustained minor injuries. According to our correspondent, the van involved in the accident had traveled another 100 from the site of the crash with the tractor, veered off the road and crashed into a shop nearby. Police suspect reckless driving on the part of the van was the cause of the accident. The driver was remanded until the 01st of July after he was produced before the Polonnaruwa Magistrates Court.