Five killed, three injured in Monaragala tipper-trailer collision

Five people were killed and three others seriously injured after a tipper truck collided with a tractor and trailer carrying 10 people in Monaragala early today (August 21).

The accident occurred on the Kalu Palama bridge in the Kumbukkana area along the Wellawaya – Monaragala Road, within the Monaragala Police Division.

Police said the tipper truck was travelling towards Wellawaya when it collided with the tractor and trailer travelling in the opposite direction.

Eight people travelling in the trailer sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Monaragala Hospital. Five of them later died, while the remaining three are still receiving treatment.

The deceased were aged 21, 26, 31, 55 and 56 and were residents of Dodamgaslanda, Buttala and Horabokka.

The drivers of both the tipper truck and the tractor have been arrested in connection with the accident.

Monaragala Police are conducting further investigations.