Three policemen, two soldiers killed at level crossing

Rafik JALALDEEN

HUNUPITIYA: Three policemen and two soldiers were killed at the Hunupitiya Wedikanda railway crossing in Wattala yesterday around 6.10 a.m. when their double cab was run over by a train.

According to Wattala police, 10 soldiers and police officers were returning from a special joint search operation when their double cab collided with a train at the level crossing.

"The railway crossing was unprotected. When the cab tried to cross the railway, it was suddenly struck by a train. Three police officers including an Inspector of Police and two soldiers were killed on the spot and four officers were injured. One PC was thrown out of the window and suffered no injuries," police said.

Wattala police said that one severely injured officer was admitted to the Colombo National hospital and three injured were admitted to the Ragama hospital.

A female is also among the injured.

According to a Railway Control Officer the train was coming from Mirigama to Colombo Fort.

The Hunupitiya railway line and the train engine were slightly damaged.

The deceased were identified as IP Medhagoda, PC Ratnayaka, PC W.Rajapakse, Soldier Vipula (driver) and Soldier Gnanapala.