Students travelling on a bus involved in a collision with a train at a railway crossing in Koggala had reportedly shouted at the driver not to proceed as a train was approaching, according to Deputy Inspector General of Police W.P.J. Senadeera, who is in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety.
The accident occurred around 2:15 p.m. on October 25, when a bus carrying students, parents and teachers from a private educational institution in Kottawa was returning from a visit to the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum.
DIG Senadeera said the driver attempted to cross the railway tracks despite warning bells sounding and red signal lights flashing.
According to police, students inside the bus shouted warnings, urging the driver to stop. However, he proceeded onto the crossing, where the train struck the rear section of the bus.
Thirteen students were injured and admitted to Karapitiya Hospital. Eight remain under treatment in Ward 58, while one student is receiving treatment in the intensive care unit. The others have been discharged following treatment.
DIG Senadeera described the incident as an act of extremely dangerous and reckless driving, saying it could have resulted in a tragedy similar to the Yangalmodara railway crossing disaster.
He said the driver underwent a breathalyzer test, which found no evidence of alcohol consumption. However, police have referred him for further drug testing.
The senior police officer said investigators are considering serious criminal charges, including attempted murder, under the Penal Code, depending on the findings of the investigation.
He said the driver proceeded despite clear warnings and the presence of dozens of students and other passengers, disregarding the potential consequences.
DIG Senadeera also urged motorists to strictly observe warning lights, bells and instructions from railway crossing operators, warning that attempts to cross railway tracks in haste could lead to fatal accidents. (Newswire)