Marked drop in accidents during Avurudhu season
 

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

The overall figure of accidents during the festive season saw a marginal decrease compared to last year. Colombo National Hospital Director Dr. Hector Weerasinghe said the number of accidents showed a significant decrease compared to the corresponding period last year.

According to hospital figures, 696 accident victims received treatment on April 12, 13 and 14 while the figure was 756 last year.

"In one accident, two motor cyclists died in a collision on the Kegalle-Avissawella Road. It's a rare incident as both victims were police officers," Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Deputy Director (Accident Service) said. "Violence also continued its downward trend since 2001 during the New Year period. Since 2001, violence resulting from domestic rivalry has come down from 176 to 90," he added. Injuries sustained from Avurudhu sport festivals too showed a marked drop this year while fire-cracker victims had also dropped, Dr. Jasinghe said.