Sri Lanka bus plunges 300m off cliff, killing 15 and injuring 16
A speeding bus in Sri Lanka crashed off a cliff on Thursday night (4 Sept), killing 15 people and leaving 16 others injured. Authorities said the vehicle was carrying more than 30 passengers returning from a holiday trip.
- A bus carrying over 30 passengers crashed in Wellawaya, Sri Lanka, killing at least 15.
- Police said the bus was speeding before hitting another vehicle and plunging 300 metres down a cliff.
- Sixteen people were injured, including five children, with several in critical condition.
WELLAWAYA, Sri Lanka – At least 15 people were killed and 16 others injured when a bus plunged nearly 300 metres down a cliff late on 4 September along the Ella-Wellawaya road.
The bus was carrying more than 30 passengers who were returning home from a holiday trip when the crash occurred.
Bus collides before plunging
Police reported that the driver had been speeding. The bus first collided with another vehicle before smashing into roadside guardrails and veering off the road into a deep precipice.
Among the dead were nine women, all identified as municipal employees. Hospital staff said five children were among the injured, several of whom are in critical condition. None of the victims have been officially named.
Rescue efforts through the night
Foreign tourists nearby reportedly assisted emergency responders by providing first aid and helping to move the injured.
The terrain made rescue operations difficult. Police said the response involved officers, army and air force personnel, firefighters, and local villagers. Efforts lasted through the night until about 4am local time on 5 September.
Authorities confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the full circumstances of the accident.