An individual has been killed while another has sustained serious injuries after a three-wheeler collided with the “Sagarika” train at a railway crossing near the Ganegama Purana Temple in Aluthgama this afternoon (23).

The train, which had departed from the Maradana Railway Station, collided with the three-wheeler at the crossing, police said.

The driver of the three-wheeler died in the accident, while the injured passenger was admitted to the Nagoda Hospital for treatment.

Following the accident, residents staged a protest by blocking the coastal railway line, claiming that the crossing is particularly dangerous as it has only warning signals and bells and lacks a safety gate.

The protesters alleged that similar accidents have occurred repeatedly at the crossing and accused authorities of failing to take adequate measures to improve safety.

The protest caused disruptions to train services along the coastal railway line.

Police subsequently intervened and held discussions with Railway Department officials. After authorities assured residents that steps would be taken to address the issue, the protesters called off the demonstration.

Train services along the coastal railway line have since returned to normal.