May 11, Colombo (LNW): A tragic road accident in the central highlands of Sri Lanka has claimed the lives of at least fifteen individuals after a passenger bus veered off the Nuwara Eliya–Gampola main road and plunged into a deep precipice in the Garandiella area of Ramboda early this morning (11 May).
Emergency services responded to the scene shortly after the incident, with police confirming that over 35 people sustained injuries of varying severity. The wounded were promptly transported to nearby hospitals, where several remain in critical condition.
The ill-fated bus, operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), was reportedly travelling from Kataragama to Kurunegala, passing through the hill country town of Nuwara Eliya. The route, known for its steep inclines and sharp bends, can pose considerable danger, particularly in poor weather or under low visibility.
While the exact cause of the accident has yet to be formally established, preliminary accounts suggest that the bus may have lost control while navigating a sharp bend.
Investigations are underway to determine whether driver error, mechanical failure, or hazardous road conditions contributed to the incident.
Footage and photographs from the crash site show a mangled vehicle at the base of a steep slope, surrounded by emergency personnel and concerned bystanders.
The scale of the wreckage has drawn widespread public attention and raised fresh concerns about road safety standards, especially on mountainous routes that are frequented by long-distance public transport.
Authorities are expected to review transport safety protocols following this latest tragedy, which adds to a growing list of fatal road accidents involving state-operated buses.
Calls for stricter regulation, improved driver training, and more rigorous vehicle inspections have been renewed in the wake of the disaster.
