Three-Wheeler Carrying Six School Children Overturns into Tea Estate in Batalagala, Hatton

A distressing accident occurred yesterday (2026/11/04) around 2:00 PM on the Hatton-Fordyce main road in Batalagala, when a three-wheeler transporting school children veered off the road and overturned into a steep tea estate. The red Bajaj RE three-wheeler was reportedly carrying six students from the Dikoya Tamil College, a practice that is both illegal and highly unsafe. The incident took place on a narrow, winding mountain road. As the driver attempted to give way to an oncoming vehicle, the three-wheeler lost traction and control, sliding off the edge of the road and rolling down the embankment into the tea plantation below. The impact caused severe damage to the vehicle's hood, windshield, and chassis. Local residents rushed to the scene to assist the victims. Four students who were seated in the rear were injured and immediately transported to the Dikoya Base Hospital for medical treatment. The Hatton Police Traffic Division has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. This accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of overloading three-wheelers, especially with school children. Parents are urged to prioritize safety over cost-saving measures when arranging school transport. Drivers on narrow mountain roads must ensure they come to a complete stop at safe locations to allow oncoming traffic to pass, rather than attempting to maneuver on the soft, unstable edges of the road. Always call the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service in the event of an emergency.