Train-hearse accident in Kelaniya

Hearse which struck train had got thrown off ....knocked against 3 three-wheelers 8 in hospital

The train-hearse and 3-wheeler accident which took place at Thelangapatha Junction, Kelaniya last afternoon resulted in 8 persons being injured.

The hearse which collided with the express train travelling from Palay to Colombo across the level-crossing had got thrown off and struck 2 three-wheelers parked closeby as well as the body of a pedestrian walking on the road.
8 persons who faced injury were admitted to National Hospital yesterday afternoon. Among the injured were the driver of the hearse including 3 persons inside it, 4 persons travelling in the two three-wheelers and a pedestrian travelling on the road at the time.

The accident concerned had taken place around 12.45 - 1.00 p.m. yesterday and at the time the hearse  collided with the the train it had travelled minus a dead body. When the driver had attempted to drive the hearse across the level-crossing, it had unfortunately stopped on the railway tracks and the driver had been unable to move the vehicle from that position when the train was approaching, it was learned. On that occasion the hearse had struck the express train coming from Palay and had got thrown off and struck the three-wheelers parked nearby.

It was understood that since the vehicle had not got crushed, and instead of any damage to the life of anybody, there were only casualties with injuries. What hospital sources said was that the victims did not suffer serious injuries.