Five dead in van, train collision

Rasika Somarathna

At least five people were killed and several others injured when a van collided with a train at a railway crossing near the Aluthgama Railway Station yesterday evening.

Police said the van had collided with the train travelling from Maradana to Hikkaduwa at the Ganegama railway crossing which according to area sources is unprotected. ‘At the time of the incident, the van was carrying 10 passengers, who were going to see a Poson pandal in the area, “sources said.

Five injured people have been admitted to the Nagoda and Dharga town hospitals. Police investigations are continuing.