Initial investigations into the fatal bus accident at Gerandi Ella, which claimed 22 lives, have revealed that the passenger transport bus was carrying significantly more people than its permitted capacity. Central Province Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake confirmed that over 80 passengers were on board the bus, although its capacity was limited to between 55 and 60. Following the accident, 59 passengers were hospitalised with injuries, while others with minor injuries are reported to have left after receiving initial treatment.
Senior DIG Pathinayake pointed out that navigating steep and narrow mountain roads with such a large number of passengers would have made it difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. The bus, known for running on time, had gained a reputation for reliability among locals, which led to it frequently being overcrowded—a likely contributing factor to the accident.
Although there are widespread claims that the driver may have fallen asleep, investigations have so far found no evidence to support that theory. A Motor Vehicle Inspector has been called to examine the wreckage for any mechanical or technical defects that might have led to the tragedy. The cause of the accident will be definitively determined following this inspection.
Eyewitness accounts and preliminary findings reveal that the bus had been swaying moments before it veered off the road and plunged approximately 100 feet down a steep slope. It rolled several times before coming to a stop, inflicting severe injuries and causing the deaths of many on board.
The Senior DIG commended the rapid response of local villagers and youth who were selling fruit nearby. Their immediate efforts to transport the injured to hospitals are believed to have saved several lives.
The incident has raised serious concerns about passenger transport safety, particularly on mountainous routes, and underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and capacity limits in Sri Lanka’s public transport sector.
