The bodies of all children who were reported missing in the flood accident involving a tractor in Karaitivu, Ampara have been recovered, the Police said.
According to the Police, the body of a 16-year-old student from Samanthurai had been retrieved this morning during a joint operation conducted by the Navy, Police, and area residents.
The Police said that a total of 08 bodies, 06 children, the driver of the tractor, and a civilian, have been recovered as of today.
A tractor carrying children and civilians from Nindavur to Samanthurai had toppled over while attempting to cross a bridge near the Karaitivu bus stand during floods.
At the time of the incident, five among 11 students who had been on the tractor had been rescued, while the others have now been reported dead.
The assistant of the tractor, who was initially reported missing, was found alive after he surrendered to the Karaitivu Police, and was arrested for illegally transporting passengers using a tractor for financial gain, disregarding the warnings of the security forces, and endangering lives.
The acting Magistrate of Samanthurai also remanded the principal and a teacher of the Madrasa school over the tragic deaths of the students, while two others were released on bail.
Police investigations revealed that the principal had instructed the students to be transported home in a tractor, which was swept away by floodwaters. (Islandnews)
