Road crash fatalities surpass 1,700 in 8 months

1,654 fatal road incidents have occurred across the island so far this year.

Deputy Inspector General of Police of Traffic Control and Road Safety Range W.P.J. Senadheera stated that 1,749 people lost their lives in these crashes.

He added that 4,556 individuals sustained severe injuries in major incidents, while 7,295 others suffered minor injuries.

Meanwhile, the drivers of a tipper truck and a tractor involved in yesterday morning's fatal crash in Kumbukkana, Monaragala, have been remanded until 4th of October by the Monaragala Magistrate's Court.

The incident, which claimed five lives, occurred when a tractor carrying pilgrims bound for Kebiliththa collided with a tipper truck.

Two members of the same family were among the deceased.

Three others sustained critical injuries.

Investigations have also revealed that both drivers were under the influence of narcotics at the time of the collision.