April 15, Colombo (LNW): A series of unrelated road accidents across the island claimed the lives of five individuals over the past few days, highlighting persistent concerns over road safety during the New Year travel season.
One of the most tragic incidents occurred in Maho, where a couple from Weliweriya lost their lives when the van they were travelling in veered off the road and crashed into a tree.
The exact cause of the accident is yet to be confirmed, though police suspect excessive speed or driver fatigue may have contributed.
In another deeply distressing case in Balangoda, a one-year and seven-month-old child died after being accidentally run over by his father, who was reversing a lorry. Authorities confirmed that the father, believed to be unaware of the child’s proximity to the vehicle, has been taken into custody pending further investigation.
Meanwhile, in Makulpotha, Manampitiya, an 81-year-old pedestrian succumbed to injuries after being struck by a motorcycle while attempting to cross the road.
The fifth fatality was reported from Silawathura, where a 59-year-old motorcyclist from Mannar died following a collision with a cow that had strayed onto the road. Local residents noted that free-roaming livestock continue to pose significant hazards in many rural areas, particularly during early morning and evening hours.
Police are continuing investigations into each of these incidents and have urged all motorists to exercise heightened caution, particularly during the busy post-holiday travel period. They also reiterated the importance of adhering to speed limits, maintaining awareness of pedestrians and animals, and ensuring that children are kept at a safe distance from moving vehicles.
