CM's security men die in crash

Rafik JALALDEEN and Hiriyala group corr.

A security backup vehicle of Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan crashed into a tree killing three persons and wounding one in Kobekeralla, Kurunegala in the wee hours of yesterday.

Police spokesman Senior DIG Nimal Mediwake said the Land Rover belonging to the Chief Minister's convoy crashed into a road side tree.

Three members of the Chief Miniser's security detail were killed on the spot while another was injured. The incident occurred in Diyathura, Kobekeralla on the Dambulla- Colombo road at around 1.00 a.m.

The security team were returning to Batticaloa from Colombo when the incident occurred.

"The Land Rover had been brought to Colombo for servicing", Mediwake said. "Two soldiers and the driver of the backup were killed on the spot.

A civilian who was severely injured is being treated.