Passara tragedy: Highways Ministry probes road contractor for alleged negligence

By Norman Palihawadane

The Highways Ministry is trying to ascertain whether there was negligence on the part of a private company, contracted to renovate the Lunugala-Passara road, for not removing a boulder that was partially obstructing the road and contributed to Saturday’s bus tragedy that claimed the lives of 14 passengers.

Secretary to the Ministry of Highways R.W.R. Premasiri told The Island that an investigation had been launched to find out whether the company had shirked responsibility. If found guilty the company would be made to compensate the victims, Premasiri said.

Meanwhile, the 14 victims from Saturday’s passenger bus accident in Passara had been identified, Police spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said.

Investigations have revealed a tipper-truck had moved from the opposite direction moments before the accident took place, and the driver of the tipper truck was arrested for fleeing the scene.

Thirty one people injured in the accident remain in hospital, said the DIG adding that the Badulla Judicial Medical Officer had obtained blood and urine samples from the bus driver to determine if he was intoxicated at the time.

Police will continue to investigate the accident which claimed 14 lives, he added.

On Saturday SLPP MP Chamara Sampath said he had informed the respective contractors involved in road development to remove the rock but no action had been taken.

Army troops of the 112 Brigade of the 11 Division rushed to the 13th Mile Post on the Passara-Lunungala road and engaged in rescue operations, together with police and residents.

Reports suggest that salvage teams were not be able to raise the bus out of the precipice on Saturday and that operation would require more time.