Overview

• The accident occurred early Sunday, May 11, near Kotmale in Sri Lanka's central hill country, with the bus plunging 100 meters into a ravine.
• Authorities confirmed 21 fatalities and over 30 injuries, with rescue efforts ongoing and victims receiving hospital treatment.
• The state-run bus was carrying around 70 passengers, exceeding its capacity by approximately 20 people, when it skidded off the road.
• Police are investigating potential causes, including mechanical failure or the possibility that the driver fell asleep at the wheel.
• The incident highlights persistent safety issues on Sri Lanka's mountainous roads, where overcrowding, poor maintenance, and lax oversight contribute to frequent deadly accidents.