04 to 05 people die daily due to train accidents: Department of Railways

COLOMBO (News 1st): Close to four people die daily due to railway accidents, the Department of Railways said. "During the course of this year, a total of 273 people have died due to railway accidents. The total deaths in 2020, include 107 deaths due to accidents and 166 cases of suicide," Anura Premarathne, the Railway Security Superintendent, told News 1st on Saturday (July 18). According to Premarathne, in comparison to this year, 658 deaths were reported last year. The Railway Security Superintendent said, in 2019, 369 sustained injuries in railway accidents, 215 died and 443 committed suicide. In 2018, 230 deaths due to railway accidents were reported, while 478 were injured. Further, 664 cases of suicide were also reported, according to the Railway Security Superintendent. "One of the main causes for such railway accidents is due to negligence and walking on the railway tracks," Premarathne went onto note. According to Premarathne although walking along railways tracks is prohibited by law, certain people tend act carelessly causing harm to their lives. He further further urged the general public to be vigilant when crossing railway tracks, especially across the coastal line to reach the beach. "If people can act responsibly, avoid walking along the railways tracks and be mindful, we could save close to 500 lives lost annually due to railway accidents," the Railway Security Superintendent emphasized. For any assistance with regard to suicide prevention and mental health, please call any of the following... National Council For Mental Health (Sahanaya) 011 2 685 960/ 011 4 339 606 Institute of Mental Health 011 2 506 004/ 011 2 058 650/ 071 4 749 625 Child Adolescent and Family Services 076 4 067 004/ 011 7 446 919 Sri Lanka Sumithrayo 011 2 682 535/ 011 2 682 570