Five hospitalized after van plunges into precipice

Five individuals sustained serious injuries when their van veered off the road and fell approximately 70 feet in the Gerandi Ella area of Kotmale. Kotmale Police reported that the incident occurred around 1:00 AM today (02) on the Nuwara Eliya-Gampola main road, near a known landslide site and a previous bus mishap location.

The group, consisting of four family members and a shop assistant, was returning to Tawalanthanne after visiting a relative injured in a motorcycle collision. Authorities believe the owner of the vehicle, who was driving at the time, fell asleep at the wheel, causing the van to leave the roadway.

Following the impact, the owner's son managed to climb back to the main road and flag down a passing cab to seek help for his parents and the assistant. Police officers subsequently arrived at the scene and assisted in transporting all victims to the Nuwara Eliya District General Hospital for treatment.