Railway authorities ignore concerns over signal issues

The failure of the Sri Lanka Railway to address a longstanding signal issue in Aluthgama is causing more accidents, the residents of the area said.

Similar issues have been reported from other areas as well. 

In the latest incident on Saturday, a young woman driving a van narrowly escaped death after her vehicle was struck by a fast-moving train near the Aluthgama Railway Station.

The accident occurred near the Kaluwamodara Temple road, close to the railway station, when the woman attempted to drive through the railway tracks towards Galle Road. The train, traveling from Maradana to Beliatta, collided with the van, causing severe damage to the vehicle.

The woman was admitted to Aluthgama Hospital with minor injuries sustained and shock. She had been on her way to her nearby shop before the incident.

Local residents expressed concerns over the long-standing malfunction of the railway crossing signals in the area.

The Aluthgama police have launched an investigation into the accident.

Residents said that the red light continues to keep lighting thereby confusing the motorist.

They said that they have alerting the railway authorities about the dangers, but no action has been taken.

They added that every month usually there is an accident reported here.

By Thushitha kumara de Silva