Three people lost their lives, and several others were injured when a private passenger bus collided head-on with a van and subsequently toppled down a precipice in Elawanakanda, Laggala, Matale, this evening (14).

The Police said that 42 individuals were hospitalized due to injuries from the accident, with three succumbing to their injuries upon arrival at the hospital. Among the deceased were two bus passengers and one van passenger.

The bus, en route from Colombo to Wasgamuwa via Laggala for an excursion, reportedly met with the accident in Elawanakanda. Wilgamuwa Police are conducting further investigations.