A tragic bus accident on the Ella–Wellawaya main road last night (4) claimed the lives of at least 15 people, including nine women and two children, when a bus carrying municipal council employees from Tangalle plunged nearly 1,000 feet down a ravine.
The fatal crash occurred between the 23rd and 24th kilometre posts as the group was returning from an excursion in Ella. Police said the bus, carrying around 30 passengers, collided with a jeep, slammed into a roadside safety fence, and then careened off the road into the steep precipice.
Moments of Horror Before the Fall
A survivor of the accident, an employee of the Tangalle Municipal Council, recounted the terrifying moments before the crash. According to her, the conductor of the bus had shouted a warning: “Everyone go down and hold tight, the brakes have failed!”
“Soon after that, the bus crashed into the safety fence with a loud bang—twice—before plunging down the slope,” she said. “I was thrown out of the bus through a broken window.”
Casualties and Hospitalizations
According to Deputy Minister of Local Government Ruwan Senarath, among the deceased were 12 municipal employees, the Tangalle Urban Council Secretary, two children, and the bus driver. A female passenger remains missing.
Eighteen passengers—including six men, five women, and five children—were rushed to the Badulla Teaching Hospital with varying degrees of injuries. Dr. Palitha Rajapaksa, Director of the hospital, confirmed that at least seven victims remain in critical condition, with one receiving intensive care.
“Several surgeries were performed last night, and more will be conducted today,” Dr. Rajapaksa said, adding that one or two more patients may require ICU admission following their operations.
Army Officers Injured in Rescue Operation
In a further twist to the tragedy, two Sri Lanka Army officers were injured while assisting with the rescue operation. Ella Police reported that one officer—who had been on leave and was at home in Karadagolla—rushed to the scene upon hearing of the crash. He joined personnel from the Diyatalawa Army Camp in a rope descent down the cliff to assist trapped victims but slipped and fell, sustaining injuries. A second officer also fell during the descent and was injured. Both were admitted to the Badulla Teaching Hospital.
Massive Emergency Response
Emergency response teams were deployed immediately following the accident, with military personnel, police, and medical teams working together in a race against time to save lives. Rescuers faced immense challenges due to the difficult terrain and the depth of the ravine.
The cause of the accident is under investigation, with brake failure suspected to be a contributing factor.
National Mourning and Investigations
The incident has sparked widespread shock and mourning, especially in Tangalle, where most of the victims were based. Authorities are expected to conduct a full investigation into the mechanical condition of the vehicle and the events leading up to the crash.
As the nation reels from the scale of the tragedy, efforts are ongoing to locate the missing passenger and support the families of those affected.
