Two members of a family were killed while two others injured after the three-wheeler they were traveling in collided head-on with a private bus along the Galle–Colombo main road in Katukurunda, within the Payagala Police Division, at around midnight, police stated.

Police said the victims, a 62-year-old woman and her 12-year-old grandson, were among four family members traveling in the three-wheeler after returning from Poson religious observances in Beruwala. Both sustained critical injuries in the collision and later died after being admitted to the Kalutara Teaching Hospital.

The three-wheeler was being driven by the grandfather, who suffered serious injuries and remains hospitalized. Another female passenger sustained minor injuries.

According to the preliminary police investigation, the private bus was traveling from Colombo to Matara. After stopping at the main bus halt in Katukurunda, the bus had resumed its journey when the three-wheeler, approaching from the opposite direction, suddenly crossed into its path and struck the front of the bus.

Investigators suspect the three-wheeler driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer into the path of the oncoming bus. The entire collision was captured by the bus's onboard CCTV camera.

In a separate incident recorded on the same CCTV footage, police said a passenger allegedly stole a bag belonging to the bus driver during the aftermath of the crash. The bag reportedly contained the vehicle's registration documents and the driver's licence.

Payagala Police are continuing investigations into both the fatal road accident and the alleged theft.