Train collision injures 32 people

Tuesday, 7 August 2018 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Two trains on the Colombo-Kandy main line collided near Polgahawela station yesterday, injuring at least 32 people.

The accident took place when the two trains collided near the Panaleeya station between Rambukkana and Polgahawela, according to police.

The observation compartment of the express train that left Colombo Fort station at 4:50 p.m. to Kandy was hit from behind by a power set following on the same track.

The express freight train was stalled on the track near the Panaleeya station due to a mechanical problem and awaiting repairs when the power set collided with it, the Polgahawela police said.

The collision has split the observation compartment of the express train into two and two compartments of the power set were derailed and damaged.

The injured were admitted to the Polgahawela hospital and five people with serious injuries have been transferred to Kurunegala Hospital, according to local media reports.

Railway Control Centre said the night mail train on the upcountry railway line will be delayed due to the accident.