Three member team to probe train foot board death

Sandasen MARASINGHE

Railways General Manager B A P Ariyaratne said that a three member team has been appointed to inquire into the incident where a youth was killed in an accident by falling off the foot board of the Anuradhapura bound train at the Veyangoda railway station on Sunday and ascertain how the three bolts of the foot board were not fixed to the train.

He made this observation at a press conference held at the Railway Headquarters yesterday. He also stated that the report of the inquiring board is expected to be submitted within two weeks.

Ariyaratne said that it was wrong and incorrect information to say that the youth met with the accident when the foot board fell off from the train.

He added that the foot board did not break but the victim had fallen off the foot board.

He also stated that three bolts out of four on one side and two of four on the other side which were fixed the foot board of the train were found to be missing. He also stated that it was highly questionable as to how three bolts out of four on one side and another two on the other side went missing and when they were removed.

He added that he went to the site himself and observed that the place where the victim had fallen was six compartments away from the engine.

He added that when that distance was considered it could be presumed the youth had attempted to get down from the train before it stopped. He stated further that the decision should be reached after the investigation was completed.

Ariyaratne further said that the matter as to why there was a delay in taking the patient to the hospital will also be investigated and any witness is welcome to testify.

Superintendent of Transport L A P Ratnayake, Director Planning of Railway Wijaya Samarasinghe, Chief Engineer (Motipower) T L Wickramaratne, Director (Overseer) of Mahawa D A G S Ranasinghe also participated the press conference.