Bus Accident: 15 Passengers Dead Including Children After It Lost Control
- A passenger bus in Sri Lanka’s mountainous Wellawaya region plunged into a 1,000-foot precipice, killing 15 and injuring 16 others, including children
- Police say the driver had been speeding before losing control and crashing through guardrails on Thursday night
- Rescue crews battled harsh terrain overnight to recover victims from the wreckage, reigniting concerns over road safety in the region
A tragic bus accident in Sri Lanka’s mountainous region near Wellawaya has claimed the lives of 15 passengers and left 16 others injured, including five children, according to police reports released on Friday.
Police spokesman Fredrick Wootler confirmed that the incident occurred on Thursday night, approximately 280 kilometres east of Colombo.
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The passenger bus, carrying nearly 30 people, veered off the road and plunged into a 1,000-foot precipice after colliding with another vehicle and crashing into roadside guardrails.
Wootler stated that preliminary investigations indicated the driver had been travelling at excessive speed, which led to the loss of control. The vehicle then toppled off the cliff in what authorities described as a catastrophic descent.
Rescue Efforts in Harsh Terrain After Sri Lanka Bus Accident
Local television broadcast harrowing footage of the wreckage, showing the mangled bus at the bottom of the ravine. Rescue operations continued throughout the night, with soldiers, police officers and civilian volunteers working in treacherous conditions to retrieve survivors and recover the deceased.
Emergency responders faced significant challenges due to the steep terrain and limited access, but managed to evacuate the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Deadly Bus Accidents in Sri Lanka’s Mountainous Regions
Deadly bus crashes are a recurring issue in Sri Lanka, particularly in its hilly interior.
Authorities have long cited reckless driving, poorly maintained vehicles and narrow, winding roads as contributing factors to such tragedies.
The Wellawaya incident has reignited concerns over road safety in the region, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved infrastructure to prevent future accidents.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the crash, with further details expected in the coming days.
Source: Legit.ng
