Death of five: Accident victim's son gives evidence
The magisterial inquiry into the accidental death of five members of the same family in Kataragama was held recently. Giving evidence, P. Kumara Dinesh Dabare, the son of Sarath Hemachandra Dabare (68), said he could not understand how his father who had such enormous physical strength could have died.
On this day, my father, sister, brother in law and the latters' two daughters went on this journey. I had earlier been asked to organise the trip
1
His father had died when their van went off the road and fell into Detagamuwa Tank on Saturday morning.
They had been on a pilgrimage to Kataragama from Ambatenna in Kandy when the tragedy occurred.
Kumara Dabare said, "My father was an excellent boxer. He used to swim across the Kelani Ganga. Once the ship he was working on had sunk. He had saved himself by swimming to the shore. That is why, I can't understand how my father died.
He said, "On this day, my father, sister, brother-in-law and the latters' two daughters went on this journey. I had earlier been asked to organise the trip.
I have two sons and a five-month old baby girl. When they were ready to leave, my wife said she could not stay alone. So, she asked me not to send our second son on this trip. At 8.30 am, the van arrived near Nawagamuwa Devale. I bought two chocolates and a soft drink for my sister's two daughters. I asked my father to make an offer to the Devale and get blessings before they left.
On April 16, they had arrived at the residence of a relative of ours in Hikkaduwa. The van engine had given trouble. They had got it repaired and left for Kataragama.
I heard in the morning news bulletin that a van that left for Kataragama from Ambatenna had met with an accident and five persons from the same family had died. I contacted the Kataragama police through Nawagamuwa police. I was asked to come and see. I contacted them yesterday. My son also spoke to me over the phone. They had been so happy. I have lost the entire family of my sister.
His son Chamikara Dabare (9) was the only one who survived the accident.