July 15, Colombo (LNW): A tragic road accident claimed the lives of two individuals when a car travelling along the Mahiyangana–Badulla main route veered off course and overturned into the Mahaweli Viyana Canal near the 17th-mile post at Mapakadawewa.
The incident occurred during the early hours of the morning, prompting an immediate and coordinated rescue effort by officers from the Mapakadawewa Police Training Academy, Mahiyangana Police, and concerned residents in the area. Despite the rapid response, both occupants of the vehicle were found trapped inside the submerged car.
Rescuers managed to pull the victims from the water and transfer them urgently to the Mahiyangana Base Hospital. However, hospital staff confirmed that the individuals had succumbed to their injuries by the time they arrived.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident, although initial reports suggest that loss of control may have contributed to the vehicle careening into the canal. The Mahiyangana Police are working with forensic experts and traffic investigators to gather further details.
