Thirty-one people injured in a bus crash along the Badulla–Mahiyanganaya main road in Dunhinda are currently receiving treatment at the Badulla Teaching Hospital.
The accident occurred around 6:00 p.m. yesterday (21) when a bus transporting a group of pilgrims overturned near Dunhinda. The group had been returning home to Thambuttegama, Anuradhapura after visiting the Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya in Badulla.
Three individuals—two women and a man—died in the incident.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe visited the hospital today to check on the condition of the injured. He told the media that the government would take all necessary measures to support those affected.
Investigations revealed that the bus was being driven by the assistant driver at the time of the crash. Both the main driver and the assistant have been arrested by Badulla Police. Preliminary inquiries have confirmed that reckless driving caused the accident.
Dr. Palitha Rajapaksha, a consultant at the hospital, said emergency, ICU, anesthesiology, and other specialists were mobilised immediately, and all patients were promptly admitted. He also noted that this particular location has seen multiple accidents in the past, mostly involving drivers unfamiliar with the terrain.
He stressed the urgent need for a long-term solution to prevent further tragedies.
