Eight killed in accidents on Independence Day

Rafik JALALDEEN

At least eight persons were killed and several others injured in a number of accidents which took place on Independence Day.

Police spokesman SSP I.M. Karunaratna said three persons including a child were killed and six others injured when a bowser crashed into a van in Mayamaduwa, Mahawilachchiya at around 2.30 p.m. A woman aged 51 and a 11-year-old child were killed on the spot. While a 18-year-old died on admission to Kandy hospital. The injured were treated at the Anuradhapura hospital. Meanwhile, a pillion rider of a motorcycle was killed and six others were injured when a cab collided with two motorcycles, a 'buddy' and a trishaw at the Gelanigama junction, Bandaragama on Thursday around 10.00 pm.

He said a speeding cab plying from Horana to Bandaragama collided head on with a motorcycle near the Electricity Board in the Gelanigama junction. In another incident, one person was killed and two others injured in a road mishap in the Wadigala area in Hungama on Thursday at around 3.00 pm.

In a separate incident a motorcyclist was killed when a van crashed into the motorcycle.