Two trains collide: One dead, 32 injured

Ranil Wijayapala

Ganemulla : One person was killed and 32 people injured as the Polgahawela bound train and the Kandy bound intercity train collided at the Ganemulla station around 4 p.m yesterday, the Trains Control Room and Gampaha hospital sources said yesterday.

The damaged compartments.

According to initial reports the Kandy bound intercity express train that left Colombo Fort railway station had collided with the rear of the Polgahawela bound train which was about to move from the Ganemulla station after being stationed there for a few minutes.

A spokesman for the Railway control room told the Daily News that the Kandy bound intercity train had left Colombo Fort railway station at 3.35 p.m. The Polgahawela bound train had left Colombo Fort at 2.50 p.m. One compartment of the Polgahawela bound train had derailed after the accident, the spokesman added.

Trains starting from Colombo were terminated at Gampaha while inbound trains to Colombo stopped at Ragama. Railway workers were mobilised to remove the two affected trains and restore normal operations swiftly.

The night mail train was due to operate on schedule.

Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma has directed General Manager Railways Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan

to conduct an inquiry and submit a report within 24 hours. He has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished speedy recovery to the injured. Compensation will be provided to the affected families and persons by the Railways and the modalities are being worked out.