Six dead, several injured in Pahala Kadugannawa rockfall

The death toll from the rockfall incident in Pahala Kadugannawa has risen to six, after search teams recovered two more bodies from the debris this evening (November 22).

Sri Lanka Police confirmed that rescue operations at the site have now concluded, and all six victims were found at the location where a large rock collapsed onto a house that included a small snack and tea shop beside the Colombo Kandy main road.

Throughout the day, the number of confirmed fatalities increased as teams gradually recovered the bodies. Earlier, officials reported that four bodies had been found, including three males and one female. Before that, a man who had been pulled out alive died from his injuries while receiving treatment at the Mawanella Hospital.

The incident happened when a massive rock suddenly fell onto the popular roadside shop, a regular stop for motorists and passengers travelling between Colombo and Kandy. Witnesses said a group who had arrived in three vehicles to have tea were present at the time of the collapse, and several of them were caught under the falling rock and debris.

Authorities confirmed that four individuals who survived the incident were rescued with injuries and taken to the Mawanella Hospital. According to Medical Officer in Charge, Dr. Sameera Thanthirikage, their conditions are not critical. A medical team, including a doctor, was sent to the site to assist the rescue workers.

Search and recovery teams, including police officers, emergency responders and local volunteers, worked under risky and difficult conditions to locate the victims and secure the area. They continued these efforts late into the evening as there were concerns that more people might be trapped.

The Colombo Kandy main road was temporarily closed at the Pahala Kadugannawa section due to the danger of further instability and to support the emergency operations. Authorities urged the public not to visit the site to ensure safety and allow the teams to carry out their work.

A five member team from the National Building Research Organisation also visited the location to begin technical inspections.

Officials stated that all individuals affected by the rockfall have now been accounted for, and a detailed investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.

— This article was last updated at 07:05 PM —