A three-wheeler collided with a moving train at a railway crossing in Aluthgama on Monday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and serious injuries to a passenger. The accident prompted local residents to block the coastal railway line, demanding improved safety measures at the crossing.
A three-wheeler driver was killed and a passenger sustained serious injuries following a collision with the "Sagarika" train at a railway crossing near the Ganegama Purana Temple in Aluthgama on Monday afternoon. According to police, the train had been traveling from Maradana Railway Station when the accident occurred at the crossing. The injured passenger was transported to Nagoda Hospital for medical treatment.
In response to the incident, local residents staged a protest along the coastal railway line, blocking train services to draw attention to safety concerns at the crossing. Protesters argued that the location is inherently hazardous, equipped only with warning signals and bells but lacking a protective safety gate. They further contended that multiple accidents have taken place at this crossing previously, indicating a pattern of recurring incidents at the site.
Residents criticized the relevant authorities for failing to implement adequate safety improvements despite the documented history of accidents. Following intervention by police and discussions between officers and Railway Department officials, authorities provided assurances that measures would be taken to enhance safety conditions at the crossing. With these commitments in place, protesters ended their demonstration and cleared the railway line. Train services along the coastal route have since resumed normal operations.
