Bus Owner Arrested Over Ella Tragedy

COLOMBO (News 1st); The owner of the bus involved in the tragic accident near the 23rd kilometer post on the Ella–Wellawaya road has been taken into custody by police. Authorities cited negligent maintenance of the vehicle as the reason for the arrest.

The suspect, a resident of Tangalle, was arrested following the incident that occurred last Friday, when the bus plunged off a cliff, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals and injuries to 19 others, including two rescuers.

Among the victims were 12 employees of the Tangalle Urban Council, who were on a leisure excursion at the time of the accident. The bus driver was also among those who lost their lives.

In the aftermath, officials from the Department of Motor Traffic conducted a technical inspection of the wreckage. Motor Traffic Commissioner General Kamal Amarasinghe stated that a detailed report is expected within a week.