Train Derails Near Wanawasala; Two Suspects Arrested Over Incident

18-May-2026

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A train that departed from Polgahawela to Kalutara South on the morning of May 16 derailed near the Wanawasala railway station, injuring 12 passengers who were admitted to hospital.

The individual who allegedly removed spikes fixed to the railway track, and the owner of the scrap iron shop who purchased them, have been arrested on suspicion.

The train left Polgahawela railway station at around 3.25 a.m. and arrived at Wanawasala railway station at 5.18 a.m., and resumed its journey towards Kalutara at 5.20 a.m., when it derailed immediately after departure.

The middle section of the train, carrying passengers, derailed completely. Passengers from other compartments and area residents jointly rescued those trapped in the derailed section. Twelve injured passengers were immediately admitted to hospital.

The suspect who stole rod spikes from the motor section of the railway track was arrested after examining CCTV footage from the vicinity of the railway station. Initial investigations revealed that the suspect had stolen the spikes in order to obtain narcotics.

The suspect had sold the stolen spikes to a scrap iron shop in the area, and the shop owner has also been arrested.

Following the derailment near Wanawasala railway station, train services on the main railway line were completely disrupted. Thereafter, train services for the upper and lower lines were operated on a single track, while the Railway Department has undertaken repair work to restore the damaged track.