A bus driver held responsible for a tragic collision in 2009 at the Sevanapitiya Railway Crossing in Welikanda, which claimed 15 lives and left 40 others seriously injured, has been apprehended after evading court proceedings.
Following a verdict issued by the Polonnaruwa High Court last year, sentencing the driver to death for his role in the May 16, 2009, accident, authorities have arrested the accused, a 39-year-old resident of Valaichchenai. The driver, who failed to attend court hearings after his last appearance on August 05, 2022, prompted the issuance of arrest warrants.
The collision occurred when a private bus, carrying 70 passengers from the Al-Hizma nursery in Valaichchenai and their parents, attempted to bypass the rail gate at the Sevanapitiya Railway Crossing, resulting in a catastrophic collision with an oncoming train. The collision, exacerbated by the bus carrying fuel bowsers, led to a fire and extensive damage to both the bus and the train engine.
The Welikanda Police apprehended the accused, who was avoiding court appearances, ensuring accountability for the tragic incident that claimed multiple lives and inflicted severe injuries on others.
