A total of five individuals have died and three others injured in a serious road accident involving a tipper truck and a tractor in Kumbukkana, Monaragala this morning (21), police said.
The accident occurred on the Kumbukkana Kalu Bridge along the Wellawaya–Monaragala Road when a tipper truck travelling towards Wellawaya collided with a tractor approaching from the opposite direction.
According to police, 10 people were travelling on the tractor’s trailer at the time of the accident.
Eight of them sustained serious injuries and were admitted to the Monaragala District General Hospital.
Five of the injured later succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment.
The deceased, aged 21, 26, 31, 55 and 56, were residents of Dodamgaslanda, Buttala and Horabokka, police said.
The three other injured persons remain hospitalized and are receiving treatment.
The drivers of both vehicles have been arrested in connection with the accident.
Monaragala Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.
