Signal light is on: The three-wheeler was driven onto the crossing even though the train was visibly approaching.

Two people have died in a severe accident caused by a three-wheeler colliding with an express train that was traveling from Chilaw to Colombo Fort. This tragedy occurred yesterday (9) morning around 6:57 AM at the Halpena railway crossing, located between the Ja-Ela, Kapuwatta, and Kandana railway stations.

The Kandana Police have identified the deceased in the accident as a mother-in-law and son-in-law, who were relatives from the same family. Accordingly, Liyanarachchige Don Neil Lakshman, 52, who drove the three-wheeler, and Kulasinghe Arachchige Eeta, 71, who was traveling in it, unfortunately died. The deceased woman was a resident of house number 171, New Josita Estate, Ekala, Ja-Ela.

According to police investigations, the main cause of this accident was the driver's negligence. He drove the three-wheeler onto the railway tracks despite the electric signals and bells at the railway crossing sounding, and despite a train clearly being visible and approaching.

Immediately after the accident, local residents made a strong effort to hospitalize the severely injured individuals. However, due to their grave injuries, it was confirmed that they had already succumbed at the scene. Further investigations into this matter are being conducted under the leadership of Kandana Police Station OIC Chief Inspector R.P.A. Priyantha, and the bodies of the two deceased have currently been placed in the mortuary of Ragama Teaching Hospital for post-mortem examinations.