Brake Marks Reveal Van Driver’s Last Attempt to Save Lives

COLOMBO (News 1st); The driver of a tipper truck involved in a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of two schoolgirls and a van driver has been remanded until September 8. 

The order was issued today (28) by Kuliyapitiya Magistrate Randika Lakmal Jayalath, when the suspect was presented before the court.

Police told the court that the accident was caused by reckless driving, and that the suspect had been operating the vehicle in a manner that lacked due care and attention.

Although the judicial medical officer did not observe any immediate signs of drug use during the initial examination, the suspect’s blood and urine samples were collected for further testing. 

Police also revealed that the driver had reportedly been working without sleep for 24 hours prior to the incident.

Investigations further indicated that the school van driver, who died in the crash, had made a desperate attempt to avoid the collision, evidenced by brake marks and impact against a bridge railing, suggesting a last-minute effort to stop the vehicle.

Police informed the court that further inquiries are underway to determine whether the accident was purely due to negligence or if it was a deliberate act. They requested that bail not be considered at this stage.

Accordingly, the Magistrate ordered the suspect to be remanded and also instructed that his driver’s license be suspended until the investigation is complete.

The accident occurred yesterday (27) morning in Wilapola, Kuliyapitiya, when a sand-transporting tipper truck collided with a school van, resulting in the deaths of two female students and the van driver.