Bus Plunges into Gorge: 15 Dead, 18 Injured in Ella-Wellawaya Horror

by Staff Writer 05-09-2025 | 7:03 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st): A tragic bus accident occurred on the Ella-Wellawaya road, near the 23rd kilometer post, resulting in 15 fatalities and 18 injuries.

According to police, the bus, carrying over 30 passengers, including Tangalle Municipal Council employees and their relatives, veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge after colliding with a jeep.

The accident happened around 9:15 PM, and rescue efforts were undertaken by the military, police, disaster management teams, and local residents.

The injured, including five children, were admitted to Badulla and Diyatalawa hospitals.

The bus, traveling from Ella to Wellawaya, lost control and fell into a 1,000-foot gorge.

Two individuals who attempted to rescue the passengers also fell into the gorge and sustained injuries.

The Secretary of the Tangalle Municipal Council and two technical officers were among the passengers.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, visited Badulla Teaching Hospital to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Ruwan Senarath, stated that a team from the Tangalle Municipal Council has been dispatched to provide support to the accident victims and their families. An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.