The owner of a container truck involved in a fatal collision with a motorcycle in Negombo has stated that the riders were participating in illegal street races and travelling at extreme speeds when the accident occurred on July 29.
The owner of the container truck involved in the July 29 fatal motorcycle crash along the Negombo–Minuwangoda Road has disputed responsibility for the incident, claiming that the two youths killed were engaged in illegal motorcycle racing at the time of the collision in Bolawalana.
According to the truck owner's account, CCTV footage shows the trailer was being turned with proper safety measures in place. He stated that an assistant had stopped traffic and confirmed the road was clear before the maneuver began. The owner estimated that the motorcycle was travelling between 160 and 180 kmph when it struck the trailer, with the bike continuing approximately 250 metres after impact. He asserted that the collision occurred with such speed that braking was impossible.
The truck owner further alleged that motorcycle racing has become a persistent problem on this stretch of road, particularly during evening and night hours, with police previously informed of the pattern. He claimed CCTV cameras have documented these incidents, though racers typically disperse before officers arrive. Regarding visibility concerns, he noted the road is straight with several hundred metres of clear sightlines in both directions.
Following the crash, the truck was set ablaze. The owner attributed this to outside agitators rather than local residents, asserting that villagers were cooperative while external actors took matters into their own hands. He stated that despite police presence at the scene, officers were unable to prevent the arson attack. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the vehicle's destruction, and investigations remain ongoing.
