Driver in KDU Accident had Previous License Suspension for 5 Months

The driver, a resident of Dammala, Udugama, had previously been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and causing an accident with a motorcycle in Labuduwa, Galle, within the Akmeemana police jurisdiction, on August 4. Following this incident, his license was suspended for five months.

Details presented by the Akmeemana Police to the Galle Additional Magistrate’s Court revealed that, after the suspension, the driver had allegedly falsely reported his license missing to Hiniduma Police and obtained a duplicate from authorities. This tactic allowed him to continue driving, ultimately leading to his involvement in the recent tragic accident. In light of this information, Galle Additional Magistrate Lakmini Vidanagamage ordered the confiscation of the replacement license, which has now been placed in judicial custody.

The fatal accident involving the KDU students occurred on November 1, when the bus, reportedly speeding, lost control and toppled, killing two students and injuring dozens more. Footage from a dash cam surfaced after the accident, showing the bus traveling at high speeds shortly before the tragic incident.