Sri Lanka Bus Accident Claims 21 Lives in Kotmale: Worst Crash Since 2005
In what could be one of the worst bus accidents in 2025, a passenger bus plunged into a ravine on Sunday morning, May 11, in Kotmale — a mountainous region in south-central Sri Lanka.
The accident occurred when the bus, reportedly overcrowded with more than 50 passengers, veered off a winding road and plunged nearly 100 meters down a steep slope.
The vehicle was on its way from Kataragama to Kurunegala and was carrying Buddhist pilgrims. According to police, the bus was operated by a state-run transport service.
Early investigations suggest the driver lost control while attempting a sharp left turn on a mountainous route, causing the vehicle to skid and fall into a ravine.
The Sri Lanka bus accident has left at least 21 people dead and 35 others injured, many of whom were rushed to nearby hospitals with serious injuries.
Authorities, including police spokesperson Buddhika Manathunga, have confirmed the casualty count and stated that a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
Cause of the Sri Lanka Bus Accident
Preliminary investigations into the Sri Lanka bus accident point to a loss of vehicle control as the primary cause. According to police reports, the driver appeared to have lost control while attempting a sharp left turn on the winding, hilly roads of Kotmale.
While driver error is suspected, authorities are continuing their investigation to determine if mechanical failure, road conditions, or other external factors may have also contributed to the tragic Kotmale bus accident.
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Kotmale Bus Accident Among Worst in Recent Times
This bus accident in Sri Lanka is being described as one of the deadliest in recent years.
While the worst bus disaster in Sri Lanka’s history occurred in 2005 in Polgahawela, claiming 37 lives, Sunday’s Kotmale bus accident is a grim reminder of the dangers that exist on the country’s challenging roadways, especially in hilly terrains.
At least 21 people died and 14 were injured when a state-owned passenger bus veered off a cliff in Sri Lanka pic.twitter.com/G5ELBCubyY
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 11, 2025
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