The driver involved in the fatal accident at a Vesak Dansal in Meegoda has been remanded until June 16 following his appearance before the Homagama Magistrate’s Court.
The 42-year-old suspect was arrested after Sunday night’s tragedy on the High Level Road in the Meegoda Police Division, which claimed the lives of seven people and left seven others injured.
According to police, the double-cab was travelling from Avissawella towards Colombo when the driver attempted to overtake a lorry. The vehicle reportedly swerved off the road and crashed into a crowd waiting in line at a Vesak Dansal.
The injured victims were rushed to Homagama Hospital, where seven people, including four members of the same family and a teenage girl, were pronounced dead. The victims were residents of Hanwella, Avissawella, and Piliyandala.
Police officers stationed at Meegoda Junction apprehended the suspect and took the vehicle into custody as he allegedly attempted to flee the scene. Investigators revealed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol, did not possess a valid driving licence, and was operating a vehicle with expired documentation.
The suspect, a resident of Piliyandala, has been remanded until June 16 while further investigations continue.
