Tragedy on Ella-Wellawaya Road

COLOMBO — Deputy Minister of Transport Dr. Prasanna Gunasekara stated that the bus involved in the deadly accident on the Ella-Wellawaya road was de-registered by the National Transport Commission in 2023.

Dr. Gunasekara highlighted that there are currently no regulations in place to monitor buses used exclusively for excursions.

He added that the Road Development Authority has taken all necessary steps to minimize accidents on the road where the incident occurred.

Meanwhile, a team from the Department of Motor Traffic has been dispatched to inspect the wreckage of the bus. Dr. Gunasekara also confirmed that a team of officials from the Transport Ministry, attached to the Transport Medical Board and the road safety program, will also visit Ella today (06) to examine the vehicle.

The tragic accident claimed the lives of 15 people after the bus, which was carrying a group on an excursion from the Tangalle area, plunged down a precipice near the 24th-kilometer post on the main road within the Ella police division.

TANGALLE — Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has visited the Tangalle Town Hall to pay her final respects to the victims of the horrific bus accident that occurred on the Ella-Wellawaya main road on the night of September 4.

The bodies of those who lost their lives in the tragedy have been placed at the Tangalle Town Hall for public viewing and to allow people to pay their last respects. A large crowd, including members of the Buddhist clergy, the Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government and Hambantota District Parliamentarian Ruwan Senarath, have gathered at the location.

The bus, which was carrying a group of people on an excursion from the Tangalle area, plunged down a precipice near the 24-kilometer post on the Ella-Wellawaya main road within the Ella police division. The accident claimed the lives of 15 people, including Tangalle Municipal Council Secretary T.W.K. Rupasena and 12 other council employees.

Eighteen individuals who were injured in the crash were admitted to the Badulla Teaching Hospital and hospitals in Bandarawela and Diyatalawa. Dr. Palitha Rajapaksa of the Badulla Teaching Hospital stated yesterday (September 5) that the condition of the injured is now improving and their lives are no longer in danger.

TANGALLE — The bodies of employees from the Tangalle Municipal Council who died in the tragic bus accident on the Ella-Wellawaya main road have been brought to the Tangalle Town Hall. The public is now able to pay their final respects to the victims.

According to an Ada Derana reporter, the remains of 10 individuals have already arrived at the Town Hall.

The accident, which occurred on the 4th, claimed the lives of 15 people. The bus, carrying a group on an excursion from Tangalle, plunged down a precipice near the 24th-kilometer post on the main road. Among the deceased were Tangalle Municipal Council Secretary T.W.K. Rupasena and 12 other council employees.

Eighteen people who were injured in the crash are currently receiving treatment at the Badulla Teaching Hospital, as well as hospitals in Bandarawela and Diyatalawa.

(Colombo) The President’s Fund has announced a decision to grant a compensation of Rs. 1 million to the families of each individual who tragically lost their lives in the bus accident that occurred last night (04) on the Ella–Wellawaya main road.

The devastating incident claimed multiple lives, leaving many families in grief. In an effort to provide immediate relief and support, the President’s Fund has allocated this compensation to help the affected families cope with their loss during this difficult time.

The decision was made as a compassionate gesture to offer financial assistance to the bereaved families as they navigate the aftermath of the tragedy.

A Sri Lankan Army Special Forces soldier has received special commendation for his heroic effort in rescuing three people from the bus accident that occurred on the Ella-Wellawaya road last night (04).

Among the first army team to arrive at the accident site near Ravana Ella around 9:20 PM last night, a young man wearing a Special Forces T-shirt led a small group and began to save lives.

It was reported that four deceased and three injured people were trapped on a ledge above where the bus had plunged into the ravine. Ignoring his own safety, the young man descended to a location that was difficult for an ordinary person to reach and brought all the deceased and injured to a safe area.

While descending with one of the injured, the young man's head hit a rock, causing a serious injury. It is reported that even while in pain, he continued to assist in the rescue operation.

After the rescue operation, he was given initial medical treatment and admitted to the Badulla hospital.

It was later revealed that this young man is Lance Corporal W.M.V.M. Bandara of the 2nd Special Forces Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army.

The officer, who was home on leave, responded immediately to the accident near his house and took action to save the injured.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa have expressed their deep sorrow and condolences following the tragic bus accident on the Ella-Wellawaya road. The bus was carrying staff members from the Tangalle Municipal Council, a group from the former President's hometown.

In a statement, Mr. Rajapaksa said he was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the accident. He confirmed that many lives, including that of Tangalle Municipal Council Secretary T.W.K. Rupasena, were lost. He also noted that many others were injured.

"I know that this accident, which has saddened the people of the entire country, is an extremely tragic event for everyone in my hometown of Tangalle," he wrote.

Mr. Rajapaksa also extended his heartfelt gratitude to all those who acted quickly to save lives in the dangerous environment. He specifically mentioned the local residents—especially the youth—who used ropes to descend the precipice, as well as the police, armed forces, fire department officials, and medical teams. He also made a special mention of Dr. Palitha Rajapaksa and the medical staff at Badulla General Hospital.

"I wish the deceased of this tragic accident a peaceful journey to Nirvana," he stated, adding his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured, including the rescuers.

Separately, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for a political and policy-level decision to be made to reduce such accidents in the future. This shared call highlights the national grief and the urgent need for action following this devastating event.

Badulla - A survivor of the Ella bus accident, who was injured in the incident, described his harrowing experience to BBC.

"At a bend near Ella, the driver said the brakes had failed. I was talking to the people on the bonnet when the driver said it. The conductor laughed, and the other people nearby laughed as well," he said.

"Someone on the seat next to him also laughed, telling him not to lie. But then, at the second bend, he said, 'No, the brakes really have failed,' and suddenly started steering sharply. Only then did we realize he was telling the truth," he added.

ELLA — The Secretary of the Tangalle Municipal Council, T.W.K. Rupasena, is among the 12 council employees who died in the tragic bus accident on the Ella-Wellawaya road last night.

The overall death toll from the crash has risen to 15. Police confirmed that the remaining victims include two young children and the driver of the bus.

Eighteen people who were injured have been admitted to Badulla Teaching Hospital, as well as hospitals in Bandarawela and Diyatalawa.

The bus, which was transporting employees of the Tangalle Municipal Council and their family members on an excursion, plunged down a precipice. Rescue teams, including the police, army, air force, fire department, and local residents, made extensive efforts to rescue the victims.

COLOMBO — The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has deployed two helicopters to assist with the rescue and relief efforts following the deadly bus accident on the Ella-Wellawaya road last night.

According to the SLAF Media Division, an MI-17 helicopter has been stationed at the Diyatalawa Air Force Base to provide necessary assistance. Additionally, a Bell-412 helicopter with medical personnel has been placed on standby at the Weerawila Air Force Base. These aircraft are ready to airlift seriously injured individuals to Colombo or provide support for any other rescue operations.

Drone Visuals Show the Seriousness of the Bus Accident That Killed 15 People and 18 injured on the Ella-Wellawaya Road.

ELLA — A suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal bus accident on the Ella-Wellawaya road that killed 15 people.

Police stated that the bus, which was traveling from Ella towards Wellawaya, collided with an oncoming jeep before it plunged down the precipice. The driver of the jeep was subsequently taken into custody.

The tragic accident, which occurred at approximately 9:00 PM last night, claimed the lives of 15 individuals, with 18 others injured and hospitalized.

ELLA — The death toll from a tragic bus accident on the Ella-Wellawaya road has risen to 15, with 18 others hospitalized. The incident occurred near the 24th-kilometer post when a bus carrying over 30 people plunged approximately 200 meters down a precipice.

Police reported that among the deceased are 9 women and 6 men. Of the 18 injured, 11 are men, 7 are women, and 5 are children. The injured have been admitted to Badulla Hospital for treatment.

The bus was transporting a group of employees from the Tangalle Municipal Council who were returning from an excursion trip.

Rescue efforts were a collaborative and challenging operation due to the steep terrain. Police, the Army, Air Force, Fire Department, and local residents worked together to rescue the trapped individuals. (NewsCenter)

The number of fatalities has risen to 10 following the bus accident last night (4th) on the Ella - Wellawaya road, where a bus overturned into a ravine.

More than 15 injured people have been admitted to the Badulla Teaching Hospital, and rescue operations to recover the injured are still ongoing.

ELLA — A bus carrying staff from the Tangalle Municipal Council plunged down a precipice on the Ella-Wellawaya road tonight, resulting in the death of Three people, injuring more than 20 people.

The accident occurred near the 24th-kilometer post, where the bus fell approximately 200 meters. The group was on an excursion to Ella and was on their way back to Tangalle when the tragedy happened.

Emergency services are on the scene, and rescue operations are ongoing. Further details regarding the number of injured and the cause of the accident are expected as the investigation continues. (NewsCenter)