Two more arrested over deadly Meegoda crash

Colombo, June 6 (Daily Mirror) - Police today arrested two more suspects, including the registered owner of the cab involved in the fatal Meegoda crash that claimed six lives during Vesak celebrations. The arrests came six days after the incident, when the suspects surrendered to the Meegoda Police Station accompanied by legal counsel.

The tragic accident occurred near Meegoda Junction, when a cab allegedly driven by an intoxicated driver crashed into a group of devotees waiting in line at a roti dansala. Six people were killed and seven others sustained injuries in the collision.

Following the crash, police pursued and arrested the 42-year-old driver in the Godagama area. Investigations revealed that he was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and driving without a valid licence at the time of the incident.

The suspect was later produced before the Homagama Magistrate's Court on multiple charges, including driving under the influence, driving without a licence, failing to prevent an accident, and culpable homicide. He was remanded until June 16.

Further investigations uncovered that several other occupants of the cab had fled the scene immediately after the collision. As efforts to locate them intensified, police released photographs of the suspects and sought public assistance.

The individuals were identified as the vehicle's registered owner, Attanayake Don Wasantha of Siddhamulla, Piliyandala, along with S.K. Kumara, also known as Sellamuttu Sellakumar, and Don Sarath Hettige of Pannipitiya.

Police said the vehicle owner and one of the wanted suspects surrendered to Meegoda Police this morning and were subsequently taken into custody.