A tragic accident in Sri Lanka has claimed the life of an 82-year-old British tourist who was struck by an express train while sightseeing on a railway bridge. The incident occurred yesterday evening on the Pinwatta Railway Bridge, located just south of the capital Colombo on the country's west coast.
Fatal Misjudgement on the Tracks
According to local media reports from Adaderana, the tourist group had spent the afternoon at nearby Pinwatta Beach before deciding to climb onto the railway bridge. They believed the bridge was no longer in use, making it safe for sightseeing. The group included the British pensioner, his wife, their Sri Lankan tour guide, and the guide's young son.
Sudden Appearance of Express Train
While the group was on the bridge along the line between the southwestern towns of Wadduwa and Pinwatta, an express train traveling from Beliatta to Colombo suddenly appeared on the tracks. Panic ensued as they attempted to scramble to safety before the train reached them.
The 82-year-old British man was killed instantly upon impact, with his body thrown into the Bolgoda River below the bridge. His wife, the tour guide, and the guide's son all jumped into the river in a desperate bid for safety but sustained injuries in the process.
Injured Survivors Hospitalized
Local police confirmed that all three survivors were rushed to Panadura Base Hospital with various wounds. Reports indicate that two other individuals—another tourist and a Sri Lankan national—were also on the bridge but managed to escape unscathed.
Heroic Attempts to Save Lives
Local media detailed that the Sri Lankan tour guide, who had a longstanding friendship with the British couple, tried to save the man's wife and his own son by pushing them away from the tracks. This action caused them to fall into the river, resulting in their injuries, while the guide himself escaped with wounds.
Railway Sightseeing Culture in Sri Lanka
This tragic incident highlights the dangerous practice of train track sightseeing that has become a feature of tourism in Sri Lanka. The country is famous for scenic train rides, particularly the journey between Kandy and the mountain town of Ella.
Tourists often walk on railway tracks, including at well-known landmarks like the colonial-era Nine Arch Bridge in Ella's mountainous jungle area. This cultural norm may have contributed to the group's mistaken belief that the Pinwatta Railway Bridge was safe for exploration.
Investigation and Aftermath
The British couple had been staying at a hotel in the Wadduwa area prior to the accident. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted today, according to local reports. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this fatal misunderstanding of railway safety.
