Update: The cab driver who caused the deaths of six people in Meegoda was drunk.

Six people have died in an extremely tragic road accident that occurred last night (31) when a cab crashed into a crowd waiting in line at a 'roti dansala' (free food stall) near the Meegoda junction on the High-Level Road. The cab, which was traveling from Avissawella towards Colombo, crashed into the crowd and then fled the scene without stopping. Thirteen people who sustained serious injuries in the accident have been admitted to Homagama Base Hospital.

However, the police confirm that six of them had already died by the time they were admitted to the hospital.

The unfortunate victims who died are three women aged 15, 32, and 56, and three men aged between 35 and 38. The deceased women are residents of Piliyandala, while the men are residents of Hanwella, Padukka, and Avissawella. Information has revealed that among the deceased are a married couple and the husband's mother, all residents of Piliyandala, as well as two brothers from the same family in Padukka. Furthermore,

 Seven other individuals, including a small child, who were injured in this accident are currently receiving further inpatient treatment at Homagama Base Hospital.

The police immediately acted to apprehend the cab and its driver who fled after the accident. Accordingly, pursuing police officers managed to arrest the suspect driver at Godagama junction by showing firearms. The arrested suspect is a 42-year-old resident of Piliyandala, and the police have now confirmed that he was heavily under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.