Overcrowded bus carrying Buddhist pilgrims plunges into precipice in one of Sri Lanka’s deadliest accidents in decades.
COLOMBO: A tragic bus accident in Sri Lanka on Sunday resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people and left 24 others injured when an overcrowded bus carrying Buddhist pilgrims plunged into a precipice. The crash occurred on one of the country’s most dangerous winding roads in the central hilly region of Kotmale, known for its treacherous terrain.
The bus, which was carrying around 70 passengers—about 20 more than its capacity—lost control and veered off the cliffside road before dawn. The vehicle landed wheels-up in a tea plantation, where it was severely damaged, with its roof and side panels torn off and many seats ripped from the floor.
The state-owned bus was traveling from Kataragama, a popular pilgrimage town in the south, to Kurunegala in central Sri Lanka, a journey of approximately 250 kilometers. Authorities are investigating whether the crash was caused by mechanical failure or if the driver fell asleep at the wheel.
Deputy Transport Minister Prasanna Gunasena confirmed the death toll and stated that the injured were promptly taken to nearby hospitals. Local residents have been lauded for their quick response, helping to pull survivors from the wreckage and provide immediate medical care.
This incident marks one of Sri Lanka’s deadliest bus accidents in recent years. The worst crash in the country’s history occurred in 2005 when 37 passengers were killed in a collision at a level crossing in Polgahawela.