30.6.2008
Rafik Jalaldeen
The
derailed train.
Picture by Ambalangoda Group corr. R. Gnanadasa
HIKKADUWA: At least three commuters died and 12 others
injured when the Matara-bound Rajarata Rejina train from
Anuradhapura derailed in Hikkaduwa yesterday around 12.30
p.m. A nine-year-old child was reported missing.
The
train which left Colombo Fort last morning at 10.30 was
derailed between Hikkaduwa and Seenigama on the Thotagamuwa
bridge.
“The
last three compartments of the Rajarata train had been
derailed and two of them were on the bridge, causing serious
damage,” Galle SSP Keerthi de Silva said. A fibre
optic signal cable has also been damaged. “When
the train derailed, some commuters who had been thrown
into the river drowned. Navy divers are looking for any
missing persons” he told the Daily News.
General
Manager Railways Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan said all senior
officers of the Railways are at the scene. They will investigate
the cause of the accident but it was still to early to
come to a conclusion. He extended his sympathies to the
families of the deceased and the injured.
The
injured were admitted to the Karapitiya hospital.
All
coastal trains were terminated temporarily at Ambalangoda.
The
line is being renovated speedily.
They
will operate a shuttle service between Ambalangoda and
Matara.
Courtesy - Daily
News