Ella Bus Crash Investigation Nears Completion

COLOMBO (News 1st); The final report on the tragic bus accident in Ella is expected to be submitted before the end of this week, according to the Department of Motor Traffic.

Commissioner Kamal Amarasinghe stated that the report is currently in its final stages of preparation and will be handed over to the Ministry of Transport and Highways upon completion.

Earlier, a five-member investigative committee appointed to probe the incident submitted a preliminary report to the Ministry.

That report confirmed a mechanical fault in the bus involved in the accident.

Investigations revealed that the bus had been descending from a high-altitude area at high speed and was operating in fourth gear at the time of the crash. 

The excessive speed caused the braking system to overheat and fail, according to the Department.

The accident, which occurred in the Ella region, claimed the lives of 16 individuals. One person remains in critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit of the Badulla Teaching Hospital.