A tragic road accident in Sri Lanka’s Central Province claimed the lives of at least 21 people on Sunday, when a passenger bus plunged off a cliff, according to local authorities.

The incident occurred on a winding mountainous route and is among the deadliest accidents reported in the country this year.

Local mediaBUS  cited Sri Lanka Police in reporting that more than 35 people were injured in the crash and have been transported to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment. Some of the injured are reportedly in critical condition.

Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash, which occurred under unclear circumstances. Preliminary assessments suggest the bus may have lost control on a sharp turn before veering off the road and tumbling into a ravine.

The accident adds to a growing toll of road fatalities in Sri Lanka. According to police records, 565 fatal road accidents have occurred since the beginning of 2025, resulting in the deaths of nearly 600 people. Passenger buses, often overcrowded and poorly maintained, are frequently involved in such incidents, raising concerns over road safety enforcement and driver conduct.

Emergency response teams, including police, fire, and medical personnel, responded swiftly to the scene. Rescue operations were carried out under challenging conditions due to the steep terrain.

Sri Lankan authorities have once again urged transport operators and drivers to adhere strictly to road safety regulations and routine vehicle maintenance checks, especially on hazardous rural and hillside routes. (ILKHA)