Bus shatters after being hit by a train at Habaraduwa - 10 children on a trip injured

An accident occurred this afternoon (25th) when a bus, which had brought a group of children from Kottawa and Maharagama areas to visit the Martin Wickramasinghe Memorial Museum in Koggala, collided with a train at a railway crossing as soon as it began its return journey. This accident, which took place at the railway crossing leading to the museum located in the Koggala area, falling under the Habaraduwa Police Division, resulted in injuries to 10 school-aged children.

Police investigations have revealed that at the time of the accident, 41 children aged 14 and 15, 14 tuition class teachers, and 6 parents were traveling inside the bus.

This incident was reported when the rear part of the bus collided with an express train that was traveling from Beliatta Railway Station towards Maradana at 12:50 PM. The accident occurred at a railway crossing without safety gates, which operates only with electric light signals and bells. However, information also reports that the relevant railway crossing signals were operational at the time of the accident.

The injured children are currently admitted to Karapitiya and Unawatuna hospitals and are receiving treatment. Although it was initially reported that six people were injured and three of them were in serious condition, the police later confirmed that the number of injured children had increased to 10.

Although initial reports indicated that the bus driver fled after the accident, the police now state that the 40-year-old bus driver and the 21-year-old conductor have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Habaraduwa Police are conducting further investigations into the accident.

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