Witnesses report the driver warned of brake failure moments before the crash

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.