Youth sets fire to three-wheeler, jumps onto oncoming train

A 26-year-old youth died after setting fire to a three-wheeler and subsequently jumping in front of a moving train near the Lower Bagatalle Road-Marine Drive junction within the Colpetty police earlier today (23).

The Police Headquarters stated that the deceased was identified as M.K.T. Ranishka, a resident of Baduraliya.

According to the police, the youth parked the red three-wheeler he was driving near Marine Drive at around 9:30 AM today before setting it on fire.

He then walked to the nearby railway track and jumped in front of train number 59, which was travelling from Matara to Maradana, heading from Bambalapitiya towards Colombo.

The youth, who sustained serious injuries after being struck by the train, was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The fire caused severe damage to the three-wheeler, and firefighters from the Colombo Municipal Council completely extinguished the blaze.

Police investigations revealed that the three-wheeler belonged to a 34-year-old woman residing in Hedigalla Colony, Baduraliya.

However, the reason for the youth setting fire to the vehicle and committing suicide remains unknown, and no details regarding the relationship between the vehicle owner and the deceased youth emerged yet.

Officers of the Kollupitiya Police Station initiated further investigations into the incident.