A passenger bus fell off a cliff into a ravine in Sri Lanka on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of 21 people and injuries to 35 others. This incident is one of the deadliest transportation accidents in the country this year.
The crash occurred in the early hours of May 11 near Kotmale village, around 86 miles east of Colombo, in the mountainous central region of Sri Lanka’s tea-producing hill country.
Police spokesman Buddhika Manathunga stated “21 people died and another 35 were being treated in hospitals.”
The state-operated bus was en route from Kataragama to Kurunegala, covering a distance of approximately 155 miles, when it veered off the road and descended down the steep slope, as reported by police.
The driver was injured and included among those transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
Initial reports from authorities noted that eight individuals — five men and three women — were initially reported dead in the crash, but the death toll nearly tripled as more victims were found, and some of the injured did not survive their injuries.
Sri Lankan police have launched an investigation to determine whether the accident was due to driver negligence or a technical issue with the bus.
Local television broadcasts showed rescue personnel and bystanders assisting in removing injured passengers from the overturned bus at the bottom of the cliff. Emergency responders were seen navigating the challenging terrain as they endeavored to save lives amidst the wreckage.
Images from the crash site displayed significant damage to the vehicle. The roof was detached from the rest of the bus, which came to rest at an angle on the hillside. Several seats were dislodged from the floor, and contents from inside the bus were strewn across the ravine.
Some reports suggested the accident may have occurred when the driver lost control while negotiating a curve in the road. Local residents played a vital role in the rescue efforts, aiding in extracting people from the damaged bus and rushing them to nearby hospitals.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, government-operated buses in Sri Lanka generally have a better safety record than privately owned vehicles. The study indicated that private buses have double the risk of accidents compared to government buses, attributed to factors like driver training, medical screenings, and maintenance standards.
Fatal bus accidents are not uncommon in Sri Lanka, particularly in the country’s mountainous areas. Between 2020 and 2024, the nation recorded 12,140 road accident fatalities, with 198 fatal bus accidents reported in 2024 alone, according to local media reports.
The Sri Lankan government has decided to provide financial assistance to families affected by the incident. Authorities announced that one million Sri Lankan rupees (about $3,340) would be given as compensation to the families of each individual who died in the accident.
Transportation experts highlight several factors contributing to the high rate of accidents in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Poorly maintained roads, narrow paths with steep drops, and challenging weather conditions all present significant risks for drivers in these regions.
The Kotmale area is known for its winding mountain roads that pass through tea plantations and offer beautiful but hazardous views of the surrounding valleys. These roads become particularly dangerous during early morning hours when visibility is limited.
This accident is among the most severe transportation disasters in Sri Lanka in recent years. In April 2005, a bus driver attempted to beat a train at a level crossing, leading to a collision that killed 37 passengers. More recently, in 2021, an accident in Passara resulted in the deaths of 13 passengers and the driver.
Sri Lanka’s roads are considered some of the most dangerous worldwide, with the country recording an average of 3,000 road fatalities annually, making road safety a significant public health issue for the island nation.
The identities of the victims have not yet been publicly disclosed as authorities are working to notify family members. The investigation into the precise cause of the crash is ongoing.