By: Isuru Parakrama
November 02, Colombo (LNW): Following the tragic bus accident involving students and faculty of the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) occurred yesterday (01) morningnear the Ambagas junction on the Dunhinda-Badulla road, the Defence Ministry of Sri Lanka issued a statement regarding the event.
The bus, transporting 42 individuals from KDU’s Southern Campus in Sooriyawewa, faced a serious accident that left two female students dead and injured 40 others, who were promptly hospitalised, the statement read.
The passengers included 36 students from the university’s 39th intake, alongside three lecturers, a supervising instructor, a senior military officer overseeing the group, and the bus driver.
The Ministry further stated that the two students who tragically lost their lives were residents of Kurunegala and Nivithigala. Of those hospitalised at Badulla General Hospital, seven individuals are being treated in intensive care, with one reported to be in critical condition.
KDU’s Vice-Chancellor expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, assuring that the university is providing complete support for the funeral arrangements.
Following instructions from the Defence Secretary, a Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 412 helicopter has been stationed at Diyatalawa Air Force Base, prepared to airlift critically injured individuals to Colombo for advanced medical care if necessary.
Preliminary information suggests that the accident may have resulted from a mechanical issue with the bus.
The Ministry of Defence extended its gratitude to the local community members for their swift response, which was instrumental in rescuing the injured, and to Dr. Palita Rajapaksa and the hospital staff for their immediate, dedicated service.
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