Traffic cop critically injured after being run over by SUV dies

The 25-year-old police constable, who was hospitalized after being run over by a jeep at Independence Square roundabout in Colombo last evening, has succumbed to injuries earlier today (Oct. 06).

The deceased constable, identified as A. Priyankara, was a resident of the Walasmulla area.

Shortly after the accident, he had been rushed to the Colombo National Hospital in critical condition, while the 27-year-old errant driver of the SUV was arrested.

The suspect, who was speeding at the time, had failed to control the speed of the vehicle and run over the police officer. The vehicle had subsequently come to a stop after crashing into the fountain located at the center of the Independence Square Roundabout.

The driver was found to be a technical engineer of a private company and a resident of Narahenpita area. He is reportedly the son of a volunteer obstetrician and a gynaecologist at the police hospital for many years, who was later conferred the rank of Deputy Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). However, according to the police, he had left service at the police hospital many years ago.

Soon after the accident, a special team from the Narahenpita Police was tasked with investigating the accident, under the directives of the OIC of the Cinnamon Gardens Police.