A bus accident claimed the life of one individual and left 37 passengers injured in an accident that occurred at the Peradeniya Kobbekaduwa Junction Yahalathanna area, near the Nelligala International Buddhist Center.
The accident, which happened yesterday afternoon (16), has brought grief and sorrow to the community, highlighting the dangers posed by the steep slopes in the vicinity.
The victim of this unfortunate mishap was identified as a 79-year-old resident of Halpola Pudaluoya area. Additionally, two other individuals sustained severe injuries and have been transferred to Kandy National Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
According to police reports, the bus involved in the accident was en route from Nelligala to Pudaluoya when it encountered a steep slope notorious for frequent accidents. Tragically, the bus’s brake system failed, and the driver was unable to regain control, resulting in the devastating collision. The bus careened down the slope, colliding with a tree by the roadside before coming to a halt. Prompt action by local residents facilitated the transportation of the injured to Peradeniya Teaching Hospital for medical attention.
Among the casualties was the bus driver himself. In response to the incident, the Peradeniya Police has launched an investigation under the directives of Superintendent of Police Angammana.
Despite efforts to contain the fallout from the accident, reports indicate that the temple authority has attempted to restrict media coverage of the incident, barring journalists from accessing the accident site and prohibiting the use of mobile phones for reporting. This restrictive approach has drawn criticism from experts, who argue that transparency and awareness are essential in addressing the underlying issues contributing to such accidents.
