10 December 2014 12:31 pm Views - 7474
A tense atmosphere prevailed in the Matara town today due to a rehearsal of disaster management in case of a traffic accident on the Southern Expressway (E01). The rehearsal was held without prior notice to stage it as a real scene, according to officials.
When a SLTB bus was on fire at the Godagama entrance to the Southern Expressway, Matara Fire Brigade rushed to the scene and doused the fire.
Police and the Army evacuated 55 injured passengers from the wreckage and rushed to the Matara general hospital.
Meanwhile, a staff of 175 employees of the hospital including doctors and nurses were on alert to admit the injured and to provide them treatment.
The rehearsal was organised by the Medical Officer, Disaster Management Centre, Ministry of Health Director K.A. Ravindra, Director of Matara District Disaster Management Centre Major Saman Balasuriya, Hospital Director Dr. Pamal Sudasinghe, and the Police. (Pix and text Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk)