Technical fault or reckless driving caused loss of 22 lives ?

The incident is reportedly considered the deadliest bus accident in Sri Lanka since the Polgahawela railway crossing tragedy in 2005, which claimed 37 lives.

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Police said that the SLTB bus, carrying over 50 passengers, veered off the road in the early hours of the morning. Among the deceased were 16 men and five women. Of those injured, 22 individuals in critical condition have been transferred from Kotmale Hospital to medical facilities in Gampola, Nuwara Eliya, Peradeniya, and Nawalapitiya for further treatment.

Rescue operations were carried out under challenging conditions, with emergency teams making significant efforts to retrieve passengers from the steep precipice.

The Ministry of Defense said two helicopters have been readied to airlift critically injured individuals to Colombo for further treatment.