Three-wheeler carrying 13 schoolkids hit by tipper

Eight children were seriously injured and admitted to hospital when a three-wheeler carrying 13 schoolchildren was hit by a tipper in Walahena, Elpitiya yesterday (28). 

Police investigations had revealed that 15 students were supposed to be traveling in the three-wheeler, but two had not got in as there was no room for them in the vehicle. 

The children, aged between 7 and 14 years, were admitted to the Elpitiya Hospital. Four children and the three-wheeler's driver were later transferred to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital as their condition was serious.  

The victims were from several schools in the area and had been on their way home in the three-wheeler last afternoon when the incident occurred. 

Police said the main reason for the accident was negligence of the drivers. They also blamed parents of the students for letting their children travel in large numbers in three-wheeler despite repeated warnings of the dangers posed by it. 

Elpitiya Police are investigating. 

Story and Pix byJanak De Silva - Ethkandura

 

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