News
Multiple inquiry lines to help unravel deadly crash
View(s):By Dilushi Wijesinghe
The investigation into the crash of a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) long-distance bus in Kotmale is ongoing, with multiple government entities involved in piecing together the circumstances of the incident.
Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake said that the bus was fully insured and that a comprehensive inquiry is underway. “All the reports we have of the driver so far are okay, and all the reports we have of the bus are up to Sri Lankan standards, and the roads were good,” he said, adding that findings would depend on reports of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) and the Government Analyst.
The SLTB’s Deputy General Manager for Operations, Rohana Chandrasiri, detailed the history of the bus. He noted that the bus, had been in operation for just 16 days under the SLTB Kataragama depot though it typically serves the Thanamalwila depot for the remainder of the month according to its roster.
At the time of the crash, the bus had been on the road for four hours, having resumed its journey at 2.25 a.m. from a tea break in Welimada. The bus toppled about one kilometre from its second scheduled stop.
Mr. Chandrasiri praised the driver, describing him as a 44-year-old with 15 years of experience and four years on long-distance routes. He emphasised that the driver was in good health, free from alcohol, and not fatigued at the time of the incident. “The bus was listed as suitable to travel,” he added, referencing the daily engineering checks done before each long-distance journey.
However, he disclosed that the bus had previously been flagged for minor repairs. An ER1 long-distance surveillance report by the previous driver who had driven the bus noted the need to check power steering oil and replace missing nuts and bolts from the mudguard. Mr. Chandrasiri said that engineers had addressed these issues, including some that “the driver had not noticed’’.
Road conditions have also been scrutinised. K. Chadrakumara, deputy director general of the Road Development Authority (RDA), said that the Kandy senior engineer’s assessment found the road in good condition, with no significant defects. “Judging by the alignment of the road, it was in good condition. There were no potholes, patching, or undulation on the surface,” he said. He also dismissed infrastructure failure as a likely cause, despite a van accident in the same area three days later.
Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manoj Ranagala, director of road traffic and safety, highlighted the complexity of the ongoing inquiry. “We can’t give a final verdict yet because multiple entities are carrying out investigations,” he said, pointing to the involvement of the police, SLTB, RDA, hospitals, and the DMT.
A five-member committee, led by Wayamba Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) Ajith Rohana, was named for the inquiry.
Following the accident, the Ministry of Transport convened a meeting on May 13, bringing together representatives from the SLTB, Police, RDA, National Transport Commission, Dept. of Railways and the National Council for Road Safety.
The meeting resulted in a series of proposed safety measures including mandatory ER1 certifications for all long-distance buses, including private operators, and driver monitoring systems for SLTB and long-distance private buses, with a phased extension to lorries and railway services.
They also discussed the setting up of rest rooms at designated eateries and SLTB depots, the introduction of a scientific accident reporting system and safety fences along risky routes, and support for the education of children orphaned or left with disabled parents due to road accidents.
As investigations continue, officials are awaiting final reports from the Government Analyst and DMT, which will be crucial in determining the exact cause of the accident.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!