Three women were killed when a lorry overturned on the Nuwara Eliya-Welimada main road near the Haggala bend around 12.30pm today.
The driver of the three-wheeler who was seriously injured in the accident has been admitted to the Nuwara Eliya General Hospital.
Police investigations have revealed that the group traveling in the three-wheeler were residents of the Uvakaradagolla area in Ella.
The lorry, which was traveling from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, had overturned on the three-wheeler near the bend and the driver had fled after the accident.
The lorry was transporting a consignment of goods from Nuwara Eliya to Welimada.
The assistant of the lorry has been arrested by the police on suspicion. The identity of the fugitive driver has been confirmed and action is being taken to arrest him, police said.
One woman died at the scene of the accident. The other two women died after being admitted to hospital. Nuwara Eliya Police are conducting investigations into the accident.