The death toll in the devastating bus accident at Gerandi Ella in Kotmale has risen to 21, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The crash occurred when a private bus traveling from Kataragama to Kurunegala veered off the road and plunged into a ravine early in the morning.
At least 35 others have been injured and are receiving treatment at hospitals in Nuwara Eliya and surrounding areas.
Survivors described the terrifying moment the accident occurred. “The driver hit the brakes suddenly, and the bus skidded and went straight off the road,” one injured passenger recalled from his hospital bed.
The bus was carrying over 50 passengers at the time of the incident. According to police, an initial investigation suggests that the vehicle may have been speeding, and the road at the location was wet and winding.
Rescue operations were carried out by local police, emergency services, and residents, who worked for hours to recover victims trapped inside the wreckage.
Police say further investigations are underway to determine whether mechanical failure or driver negligence contributed to the tragedy. The Road Development Authority is also expected to inspect the area for road safety compliance.
This is one of the deadliest road accidents reported in Sri Lanka this year. (Newswire)
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