Tragedy struck this morning on the Southern Expressway, near the 1st km post between Kahathuduwa and Kottawa, as a small lorry collided with another lorry.
The collision resulted in the death of a 55-year-old man from Rathgama, who was the driver of the lorry, while two others sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital.
The incident occurred around 2 am as the deceased, en route from Rathgama to purchase fish at the Peliyagoda fish market, collided with a cement-laden lorry traveling from Hambantota to Kurunegala, according to police investigations.
Following the collision, officers from the Galanigama Southern Expressway Traffic Police swiftly responded, conducting a 20-minute operation using mechanical equipment to extricate the trapped individuals from the small lorry. The injured were then transported to Homagama Base Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Police suspect that the accident may have been caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel. The two injured individuals, aged 26 and 47 and also residents of Rathgama, are currently receiving treatment for their injuries.
