The train travelling from Peradeniya to Colombo Fort on the repaired railway track has derailed this morning (05) after crashing into a mound of fallen earth and rocks between the Gangoda and Kadigamuwa railway stations, Ada Derana reporter said.
The incident is reported to have occurred at around 4:40 a.m. today.
The train derailed after earth and rocks had fallen onto the railway track. As a result, all trains operating on the Upcountry railway line are reportedly experiencing delays.
This was the first office train to operate from Peradeniya to Colombo Fort after the Upcountry railway line, which was damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, was repaired.
The front section of the train was also damaged in the derailment. Speaking about the incident, the train driver said the train had collided with a mound of earth and a rock.
The driver of the train, D.A.P. Sendanayake, further stated:
“A mound of earth had fallen across the track. When we saw it, we were less than 10 meters away. The train hit the mound of earth and was thrown off the track. The impact caused the train to hit a rock, which resulted in the damage seen here.”
