Drastic drop in Avurudu mishaps

Sandasen Marasinghe

*Traffic accidents: This year-106, last year-160

*Falls: This year-61, last year-81

There was a significant drop in incidents of crimes and road mishaps during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season compared to last year, National Hospital Accident Service Director Dr Prasad Ariyawansa said.

Dr Ariyawansa said that 159 patients were admitted to the Colombo National Hospital of injuries caused by domestic accidents, traffic accidents and crime during the 24 hours ended at 7 am yesterday. He added that last year’s admission figure was 189.

The Accident Service Director said that 411 persons were treated at the OPD for injuries caused for the same reasons as last year, where the figure stood at 489. He added that the number of admissions and those who sought treatment at the National Hospital dropped by 15 percent. Dr Ariyawansa said that 51 patients out of those who were admitted to the National Hospital were transferred from other hospitals. He added that 106 persons were treated for injuries caused by road traffic accidents this year and the corresponding number last year was 160.

The number of patients who were treated for injuries caused by falls this year during the festive season was 61 and last year it was 81. About 110 persons were treated for injuries they suffered from domestic accidents this year while the number last year was 81.

He said that 50 persons were hospitalized this year as a result of crimes this year while it was 59 last year.

He added that it was satisfying to note that the number of fire cracker was at a minimum (one) the same as last year.

Dr Ariyawansa said that this year there were 11 patients who were treated for dog bites. This numbers was zero last year.

Police spokesman SP Prishantha Jayakody stated that a significant feature this year was the deaths from crimes and accidents were lesser than the previous year.