21 Killed as Pilgrim Bus Plunges Off Cliff in Central Sri Lanka
At least 21 people have died and several others have been injured after a bus carrying Buddhist pilgrims veered off a cliff in central Sri Lanka, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The accident occurred near Kotmale, approximately 140km (86 miles) east of Colombo, in a mountainous region known for winding roads and steep drops.
According to Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Prasanna Gunasena, 14 people were injured and are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
Television footage from the scene showed the bus overturned at the bottom of a ravine, with rescue workers and local volunteers helping pull victims from the wreckage.
The bus, operated by a state-run transport company, was making a journey from the southern pilgrimage town of Kataragama to Kurunegala, a city about 250km (155 miles) away.
Ongoing Risks on Mountain Roads
Bus accidents are common in Sri Lanka, particularly in its central highlands, where narrow, winding roads often pose a danger to large vehicles.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, though brake failure or driver fatigue are frequently cited in similar past incidents.
The tragic crash has renewed calls for improved road safety standards and vehicle maintenance checks, especially for buses operating in hilly regions popular with pilgrims and tourists.
