Investigations reveal defective brakes caused fatal bus crash in Badulla

8 November 2024 03:40 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 12 Bookmark

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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.

Comments - 12

roobarbie Friday, 08 November 2024 04:34 PM

KDU and its vehicle management department heads must account for the root causes of this accident. Driver's license fraudulence is not relevant.

1 9

Automation Is Paramount Friday, 08 November 2024 06:19 PM

Automation is paramount especially in issuing DL and Identity related applications. Before anyone hires drivers, security guards etc both for public and private use, they must get clearance from a central security body.

1 6

Tissa Fernando Friday, 08 November 2024 06:52 PM

Driver and owner should be held responsible and should be put in jail. This is a more serious offence than keeping unregistered vehicle at home. But , the Driver and the owner are still to be arrested and they are likely to get bail next day .

11 6

Dee Friday, 08 November 2024 08:38 PM

Sad. But that’s what happen when you proceed without proper brakes. You need to know when and how to brake in turbulent times. Even loose talk has no brakes!

7 3

S.P.Ramkumar Friday, 08 November 2024 09:15 PM

This the way normally Government department or influence people tell courts and publice when they did make accident. Will this bus owner pay through insurance for these victims.

1 6

wickrama Wijayasiri Saturday, 09 November 2024 02:13 AM

I was under the impression that a fitness and roadworthiness certificate is mandatory for the annual road license. Bribery or incompetence in action? People who issued the certificate needs to be answerable too.

1 8

Mohanan Saturday, 09 November 2024 07:14 AM

There should be additional brakes in case of emergency.

5 2

Mahila Saturday, 09 November 2024 01:10 PM

This road - 'Ambagaha-Oya' on "Badulla – Mahiyangana Highway" must be of winding, Long Down Grades, and should be negotiated by especially HEAVY VEHICLES, such as Public service Omni Buses on that sector, speed Not exceeding 40 Kmph and ON LOW GEAR, - so as to negate the use of Continuous braking on the long descent, WHICH CAUSES, "BRAKE FADE SYNDROME", due to excessive heat generation, Brake shoes losing ability to Grip the drums effectively and efficiency or lose it completely!!?? This procedure is as normally advised on any major highway (including Motorway sectors - which low gradient descents than those in highways in SL) applicable, any country!? If not adhered to Incidents such as this bound to happen NO MATTER WHO INSPECTED and CERTIFIED!? This exemplifies, Bad Driver training or LACK of it as cause of accident!? "IT’S OPEN, SHUT CASE"!!??

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surain Saturday, 09 November 2024 01:24 PM

You are right brain should act fast

0 0

Mahila Saturday, 09 November 2024 01:44 PM

Post-accident operation, in 1984, NO alternative but to hire someone - couldn't go Public Transport!!?? After some search, Paper advertisement, Referrals by Company drivers, hired one, claimed to have BUS Driver's License (Document sighted), who has been driving a bus on the 174 routes, few months, on temporary basis!!?? He was, a survivor, 'knocking around Gates of houses, schools, school vans when reversing’!!?? Surviving for 6-7 months, when I started working, took him along, drive me to Kandy on official work!!?? I THANK MY STARS TO THIS DAY!!?? For gracefully letting me live so Long, instead at Kadugannawa!!?? Coming down Kadugannawa, ON TOP GEAR (5TH) AND FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL, control speed – instead of Low gear – OR Speed down to 60 Kmph!!?? Luckily noticed in time intervened and took control from that point!!?? Timely Intervention!!?? Whilst moving-over to DRIVERS SIDE, I could feel Front Discs, Rim 'heated and smoking' overheated!!?

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Vernon Saturday, 09 November 2024 05:36 PM

Heavy vehicle drivers now do not follow the basic procedure when going downhill. They need to use the same gear when going downhill, as the gear they use when going uphill on that slope. Generally, that means at least the 2nd gear. Then even if the brakes fail, one might be able to control the vehicle using the braking effect of the engine and the hand brake and use the embankment to stop the vehicle.

0 1

An Affected Citizen Saturday, 09 November 2024 05:44 PM

According to the former President, Ranil Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka's economy too crashed just like KDU Bus.

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