A tragic bus crash in Sri Lanka on Sunday has claimed the lives of at least 21 people and injured 24 others. The accident occurred in the central region of Kotmale, a notorious stretch of winding roads known for its hazardous driving conditions. The bus, which was overcrowded with approximately 70 Buddhist pilgrims, lost control while negotiating a bend, veering off the road and plummeting into a precipice. The wreckage was discovered in a tea plantation, with the roof and side panels of the bus sheared off and several seats torn from the floor. The vehicle landed on its roof, further intensifying the severity of the crash.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the accident. Initial investigations suggest that a mechanical failure or the possibility of driver fatigue might be to blame. The driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, although this has not been conclusively determined. The bus was traveling from the pilgrim town of Kataragama to the city of Kurunegala, a journey spanning 250 kilometers (155 miles).
The crash was particularly devastating given the overcrowded nature of the bus, with 20 more passengers than its official capacity. Local residents rushed to the scene, helping pull survivors from the wreckage and transporting them to nearby hospitals. Despite the severity of the crash, the quick response from the community likely prevented an even higher death toll.
Sri Lanka’s roads are notoriously dangerous, with the country recording an average of 3,000 road fatalities annually, making it one of the most perilous in the world for road accidents. The Sunday crash is among the deadliest in recent years. It ranks alongside the 2005 disaster in Polgahawela, which claimed 37 lives, and the 2021 incident in Passara that killed 13 people. Authorities have pledged to continue their investigations into the causes of the crash and to work towards improving safety measures on the island’s roads.
