Dashcam footage from the vehicle involved in the fatal multi-vehicle crash at Mattakkuliya on September 16 has emerged, as police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident that claimed three lives.
The crash occurred at around 9.15 p.m. near Ferguson Junction, where a car travelling from the Wattala direction collided with several three-wheelers and motorcycles. Police said the vehicle was travelling at high speed before the driver lost control.
The accident initially resulted in several people being injured, with three later succumbing to their injuries after being admitted to the Colombo National Hospital. Police subsequently said that a total of 13 people had been injured in the crash.
The 52-year-old driver was arrested and produced before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court. He was ordered to remain in custody until September 30 while investigations continue.
According to police, the driver told investigators that the electric vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own, causing him to lose control. Police have said a technical examination will be carried out by an expert committee headed by the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic to determine whether a mechanical or technical defect contributed to the crash.
The driver’s lawyers have also disputed police allegations that he had consumed cannabis, arguing that he had not used alcohol or illicit drugs and that medication he was taking could have contributed to the substance detected during medical testing.
Meanwhile, it was reported that the Magistrate’s Court had called for reports from the Motor Traffic Department and the University of Moratuwa, while further testing of the driver’s blood samples and examination of CCTV footage were also ordered. Police reportedly told court that CCTV footage showed the vehicle travelling at high speed before the crash.
The three deceased were identified as E.A.P. Patrick, 64, of Grandpass; K.A.S. Jayantha, 64, of Mattakkuliya; and S. Chandrasekran, 44, of Mattakkuliya.
The driver’s claim of unintended acceleration has not been independently established, and the technical cause of the crash remains subject to investigation.
