Kotaliya bridge in Polonnaruwa is spot prone to accidents, claim the local residents.
A bus accident occurred near the Kotaliya bridge in Polonnaruwa, resulting in the loss of 10 lives and leaving more than 40 individuals injured. The Kotaliya Bridge, known for its narrow structure and frequent accidents, proved to be the site of this horrific incident.
The ill-fated bus was en route from Polonnaruwa to Kathankudi, carrying a larger number of passengers than usual due to it being a Sunday. The accident took place only minutes after the bus commenced its journey, within a distance of three kilometers between Kotaliya Palama and Kaduruwela bus stand.
The bridge spans over a tributary of the Mahaweli Ganga, with a swamp located underneath. Due to the narrowness of the bridge, vehicles cannot pass each other easily, making it a dangerous spot prone to accidents, as indicated by local residents.
Tragically, the bus veered off the bridge and plunged into the water below. Hospital authorities have confirmed the number of casualties and injuries, while soldiers from nearby military bases promptly arrived at the scene to conduct a search operation using flashlights in hopes of finding survivors.
All injured individuals and deceased victims have been transported to Polonnaruwa Hospital, and efforts are currently underway to recover the submerged bus from the water. The Polonnaruwa police have initiated an investigation into the incident to determine its cause.
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