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A Sri Lanka bus crash early Sunday morning left at least 21 people dead and 35 injured after a vehicle skidded off a cliff near Kotmale, 140 km east of Colombo. The bus, packed with Buddhist pilgrims, plunged nearly 100 meters into a ravine in the heart of the country’s tea-growing highlands.
What Happened?
The state-operated bus was on a winding road when it lost control while taking a sharp left turn. Witnesses said the vehicle began tilting left before veering off the edge.
The Sri Lanka bus crash occurred during a religious journey from Kataragama to Kurunegala, with the vehicle carrying between 50 and 75 passengers.
Takeaway: A pilgrimage route turned deadly in a high-risk region.
Aftermath and Rescue
Local TV stations broadcast images of the wrecked bus, its roof crushed and body torn apart. Rescue workers and residents were seen pulling survivors from the debris.
Thanks to the quick response from locals, many injured passengers were rushed to hospitals in time. The driver survived and is among those hospitalized, with at least 35 people injured and up to 24 still receiving care.
Takeaway: Community efforts helped reduce the death toll.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have launched a probe into the Sri Lanka bus crash, focusing on possible driver error or mechanical failure. Fatal road incidents are tragically common in the country’s highlands due to narrow roads, poor maintenance, and steep terrain.
Experts say reckless driving combined with weak infrastructure continues to plague rural transport safety.
Takeaway: Sri Lanka’s hill country roads remain notoriously unsafe.
Government Response
The Sri Lankan government announced compensation of 100,000 rupees (£2,380) per fatality. While financial support has been pledged, road safety advocates say it’s time for structural changes to prevent future tragedies.
Takeaway: Aid is helpful, but prevention matters more.
Final Thought
The Sri Lanka bus crash near Kotmale is yet another grim reminder of how vulnerable public transit is in the country’s highland regions. Without serious reforms, these roads will continue to claim lives.
