A suspect has been arrested in connection with the train derailment near Wanawasala after investigations revealed that metal parts had allegedly been removed from a railway switch point, railway authorities and Police said.
According to Railway Department, preliminary investigations suggest that the derailment was caused after metal plates used at a switch point to guide trains between tracks were removed, either as an act of sabotage or for theft.
The removal of the plates had allegedly caused the switch point to loosen, resulting in the front section of the train remaining on the main line while the rear coaches moved onto a separate track leading to a solid waste site.
One carriage subsequently overturned across both tracks.
A complaint has been lodged with the Police, while a special Police team has launched investigations and conducted a site inspection.
Police said the suspect, arrested by Peliyagoda Police, is a drug addict and is believed to have transported the removed railway parts to another location. Investigations are ongoing to arrest another suspect linked to the incident.
Twelve passengers sustained minor injuries in the derailment and were admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment. (Newswire)