The death toll from the tragic bus accident near the 24th milepost on the Ella–Wellawaya road has risen to 15, according to police reports.
Eighteen others have been injured and hospitalized. Among the deceased are nine women and six men. Police further confirmed that 11 men and seven women, including five children, are among the injured currently receiving treatment.
The bus had reportedly plunged nearly 500 feet down a cliff. Rescue operations are being carried out with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Army, which is using ropes to reach the wreckage and evacuate the injured.
As midnight passed, security forces together with local residents continued efforts to bring victims to the surface through three separate routes using ropes. Eyewitness accounts state that several passengers were thrown out of the bus and were found scattered among the bushes.
A large contingent of security forces, including army personnel, the Police Special Task Force, and local police officers, have been deployed to the site. Many residents of the area are also assisting in the rescue operations.
The accident occurred last night (04) near the 24th Kanuwa area close to Ravana Ella, Wellawaya. Reports indicate that the bus had fallen approximately 500 meters down the precipice before overturning.
According to sources, the vehicle was transporting a group of Tangalle Municipal Council employees who had visited Ella for a picnic and were returning to Tangalle. It is reported that 36 people had participated in this excursion.
At present, no further information has been released regarding the full extent of damages caused by the accident.
