On Sunday, May 11, 2025, a devastating bus accident occurred near Kotmale in central Sri Lanka, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 people and injuring 35 others. The state-operated bus, transporting Buddhist pilgrims from Kataragama to Kurunegala, veered off a cliff and plunged into a ravine approximately 140 kilometers east of Colombo.
The vehicle, reportedly carrying around 70 passengers—exceeding its intended capacity—lost control on a winding mountain road. The bus landed upside down in a tea plantation, with its roof and side panels sheared off and seats ripped from the floor. Local residents played a crucial role in rescuing survivors from the wreckage, likely preventing a higher death toll.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, considering factors such as mechanical failure and driver fatigue. The driver survived and is among those hospitalized. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in Sri Lanka, where approximately 3,000 traffic fatalities occur annually, often due to poorly maintained roads and reckless driving.
This tragedy stands as one of the deadliest bus accidents in Sri Lanka in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for improved transportation safety measures in the country.