A passenger bus in Sri Lanka skidded off a road and fell into a steep gorge, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals and injuries to 16 others. The tragic accident occurred on the evening of March 14, 2024, near the town of Wellawaya, approximately 280 kilometers east of the capital, Colombo.
According to police spokesperson Fredrick Wootler, the bus plummeted about 300 metres down the cliff. At the time of the incident, nearly 30 people were aboard the bus. The initial investigation suggested that the driver was operating the vehicle at high speed, losing control after colliding with another vehicle and crashing into guardrails before descending the cliff.
Local news outlets shared footage showing the severely damaged bus at the bottom of the gorge, with military personnel working to clear the wreckage. Among the injured, five children were reported to have sustained injuries, further highlighting the tragedy of the event.
Bus accidents are frequent in Sri Lanka, especially in mountainous areas where narrow and poorly maintained roads contribute to hazardous driving conditions. Authorities have noted that such incidents often stem from reckless driving practices.
Efforts are underway to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident further, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this latest tragedy. Local communities are mourning the loss while calling for improved road safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
