The owner of the container truck involved in the fatal motorcycle collision in Negombo has claimed that the two youths killed in the crash were participating in motorcycle races along the road and were travelling at extremely high speeds at the time of the accident.
Speaking about the incident, the container owner said CCTV footage showed the trailer was being turned after an assistant had stopped traffic and ensured the road was clear.
“There were no vehicles on the road when we began turning. Our assistant got down and stopped traffic. The CCTV footage clearly shows what happened,” he said.
According to the owner, the motorcycle appeared suddenly and struck the trailer while travelling at what he estimated to be between 160 and 180 kmph.
“These motorcycles came at an extremely high speed. There was no opportunity even to apply the brakes. The motorcycle travelled nearly 250 metres after the impact,” he claimed.
The owner further alleged that motorcycle racing had become a regular occurrence on the stretch of road, particularly at night, and that police had previously been informed.
“Every evening and night, they race motorcycles on this road. The CCTV cameras have recorded it. Police have been informed, but by the time officers arrive, they leave the area,” he said.
The container owner rejected suggestions that the truck had obstructed visibility, noting that the road was straight and offered clear visibility for several hundred metres in both directions.
Commenting on the torching of the truck after the crash, he said the vehicle was attacked by outsiders rather than local residents.
“The villagers were supportive. It was people from outside who took the law into their own hands, damaged the vehicle and later set it on fire,” he alleged.
He further claimed that although several police officers were present at the scene, they were unable to prevent the attack on the truck.
The incident occurred on July 29 along the Negombo–Minuwangoda Road in Bolawalana, where two motorcyclists died after colliding with the container truck while it was turning across the road. Three suspects have since been arrested over the subsequent arson attack on the vehicle, while investigations are continuing. (Newswire)