An investigation into the tragic bus accident in Hatton, which claimed three lives and left many others injured, has revealed that unapproved accessories inside the vehicle significantly worsened the damage.
The inspection, conducted yesterday (23 December) by Nuwara Eliya District Chief Motor Vehicle Inspector Daminda Senanayake, uncovered several safety violations. These included improperly secured seats that became dislodged during the crash, colliding with passengers and causing severe injuries. Hazardous metal fixtures inside the bus further intensified the impact on passengers.
Additionally, the driver’s door lock had been broken for some time and was temporarily secured with makeshift measures. The absence of a seatbelt for the driver was also highlighted as a factor that contributed to the extent of the injuries.
The Chief Motor Vehicle Inspector recommended the immediate removal of all unapproved accessories from passenger vehicles and called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
Hatton Police confirmed that legal action will be taken against the bus owner for operating a vehicle in an unsafe condition. The case will be heard in the Hatton Magistrate’s Court.
