A tragic accident has left 21 dead, and 35 people injured as a bus full of people has careened off a ravine in Sri Lanka.
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Footage from the incident shows the bus hanging over a terrifying precipice. The roof of the bus has been ripped off, exposing the seats within. Initially, it was reported that only 8 people had died. But, as the emergency services worked, more people were found to have been killed.
The bus had the fatal accident in a mountainous region of Sri Lanka. It took a rough turn and lost control, plunging from the side of the road. The resulting bus crash ripped the vehicle to pieces and killed many on board.
The bus came off the road around Kotmale, about 86 miles east of Colombo. The road is a winding one, navigating many tight turns that come very close to incredibly steep declines. At present, there is a full investigation trying to determine who is at fault.
Police are trying to work out if the bus crash was caused by reckless driving, or a technical fault.
Identities of Bus Crash Victims Still Unknown
Emergency services rushed to the site of the fatal bus crash to pull bodies from the wreckage. They worked tirelessly, and transported as many a local hospital as possible. At the time of the crash, there were around 50 people riding on the bus.
The named and identities of the people who died or have been taken to hospital have not been released yet. The bus driver was among the people taken to hospital. Here, he will be questioned when he is well enough.
The road is known for being particularly dangerous. It is very narrow, and often badly maintained. However, to save time, many drivers use the roads recklessly despite the known dangers. The investigation into the bus crash will determine whether the known dangers of the road, or unsafe driving, are to blame.
Images from the scene show the complete destruction of the bus. Seats have been pulled from their fastening, and the entire top of the bus has been removed. Locals and emergency services are on scene to help with the destruction and injured or dead passengers.
