Lorry Overturns After Crashing Into Maintenance Truck Due to Driver Drowsiness on Southern Expressway (E01): Two Injured

This morning (23/10/2026), a serious traffic accident occurred on the Southern Expressway (E01) near the 159th kilometre post, when a lorry heading towards Mattala collided heavily with a stationary road maintenance truck equipped with Variable Message Signs (VMS). According to initial telemetry and police reports, the driver of the lorry experienced a sudden bout of microsleep due to fatigue, failing to notice the warning signs and the stationary recovery vehicle ahead. The impact was devastating, causing the lorry to mount the lane, flip over, and come to a rest upside down across the expressway lanes. The violent collision completely crushed the cabin, chassis, and rear body of the lorry, scattering goods and debris across multiple lanes of the highway and creating an immediate hazard for other motorists. Two individuals aboard the vehicles sustained injuries and were promptly rushed for medical treatment. The accident caused a temporary complete blockage of the Mattala-bound lanes. Prompt intervention by the Expressway Traffic Police, the Fire and Rescue Unit, and maintenance teams cleared the debris and restored normalcy to the transport network swiftly. Road Safety Takeaway: Highway hypnosis and fatigue are silent killers on straight, monotonous stretches like the Southern Expressway. Motorists must recognize the signs of microsleep and pull over at the nearest rest area when exhausted. Furthermore, always remain vigilant for roadwork ahead, obey VMS and traffic cones, and immediately dial the 1969 Expressway Operations room or 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service in case of a highway emergency.