Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

50 killed in Sri Lanka train-bus collision

Ap
Wednesday 27 April 2005 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

An intercity passenger train collided with a bus in north-western Sri Lanka today, killing at least 50 people and injuring 40 others, police said.

An intercity passenger train collided with a bus in north-western Sri Lanka today, killing at least 50 people and injuring 40 others, police said.

The passenger bus apparently ignored signals of an oncoming train and tried to cross the railroad track near the town of Alawwa, 50 miles northeast of Colombo, when it was hit by the train, police spokesman Rienzie Perera said.

Police at the scene confirmed that at least 50 people died, while 40 others were injured, 30 of them seriously, Perera said. Seriously injured victims were being brought to National Hospital in the capital, Colombo, he said.

"There are bodies here and there," Perera said.

Sri Lankan army soldiers were being deployed to the scene to help with rescue work, military spokesman Brig. Daya Ratnayake said.

The train was travelling from the capital Colombo to the temple city of Kandy when the accident took place.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in