By Palitha Ariyawansa

Motor Vehicle Examiners of the Department of Motor Traffic, who examined the bus involved in the recent fatal bus accident at Ambagahaoya on Badulla – Mahiyangana on November 01, have reported that the accident was due to defective brakes. They examined the wreckage on Thursday (07) at Badulla Police ground.

They dismantled several parts of the brake system and handed them over to the police as case productions.

Two female students of Sir John Kotelawala Defence University died and at least 39 others including two lecturers, two security force personnel and the driver were seriously injured.

Police said several of the injured have been discharged from hospital after treatment.

One of the injured lecturers and several students stated that the driver shouted out just before the crash that the brake system was not functioning. A spokesman for the hospital said the driver is still under treatment in the Intensive Care Unit and not in a position to make a statement.

However, the police said he had been fined Rs.50,000 and his driving licence suspended for a month by Galle Addl. Magistrate for knocking down a motorcyclist and fleeing from the scene. Investigations revealed that he had made a false statement to Udugama Police that he lost his driving licence and obtained a new one.

Police said the driver and the owner of the bus would be arrested and produced in court.

Traffic Branch of Badulla Police are conducting further investigations.