A total of eight students still remain hospitalized following a train-bus collision at a railway crossing in Habaraduwa yesterday (25), Deputy Inspector General of Police W.P.J. Senadheera, in charge of Traffic Control and Road Safety said.

The bus was carrying students and parents from a private educational institute in Kottawa when it collided with a train travelling from Beliatta to Maradana last afternoon. A total of 13 students were injured in the incident.

One of the injured students has since been discharged from the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital after recovering, while eight others continue to receive treatment. The remaining injured students have also received the necessary medical care, the Deputy Inspector General said.

He further stated that the bus driver is scheduled to be produced before court on criminal charges in connection with the accident.

According to police, a group of 63 people, including students, parents and teachers from the educational institute, had travelled to the Koggala area to visit a museum.

At around 2.15 p.m., while returning from the trip, the bus driver allegedly attempted to cross the railway line despite the warning lights and alarm bell being activated.

Although students reportedly shouted warnings that a train was approaching and urged the driver to stop, he continued driving across the railway crossing. The train subsequently struck the rear section of the bus.

Addressing a media briefing today, Deputy Inspector General Senadheera described the incident as a serious accident that could have resulted in a tragedy similar to the fatal Yangalmodara train accident. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, he noted.

He added that the bus driver had been subjected to a drug test following allegations of serious negligence in his driving.