Russian tourist dies after falling from Badulla-Colombo train when taking selfie

A Russian tourist travelling on the Badulla-Colombo Podimanike train died after falling off the train when attempting to take a selfie while hanging from the train footboard between the Badulla and Hali Ela railway stations today, the Hali Ela Police said.

 

According to police, the woman knocked against a rock, fell off the train and sustained severe injuries. She was admitted to the Badulla Teaching Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

 

The victim was identified as 53-year-old Perminova Olga.

 

She had arrived in Sri Lanka with a group of foreign tourists. After reaching the Badulla Railway Station this morning (19), she boarded the Podimanike train bound for Colombo Fort and was travelling towards Ella when the accident occurred.

 

While attempting to take selfies while hanging onto the footboard of the train, she struck a rock near a dam along the railway line and fell off.

 

Police said she was taken to the Hali Ela Railway Station, and handed over to medical personnel.

 

Despite being rushed with severe head injuries to the Badulla Teaching Hospital and given emergency treatment by senior medical officer Dr. Palitha Rajapaksa and his team, she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.