The accident occurred while a group of devotees from Polonnaruwa were returning home after visiting and worshipping at the Munneswaram Temple in Chilaw. According to reports, 13 people were travelling in the lorry at the time of the incident.
All occupants sustained injuries and were rushed to Anamaduwa Hospital for treatment. A woman who was among the injured later succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical care.
Hospital sources stated that two of the injured victims, who remain in critical condition, were transferred to Puttalam Base Hospital for further treatment.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and collide with a roadside tree.
The Anamaduwa Police have launched further investigations to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Authorities have urged motorists to remain vigilant and avoid driving while fatigued, particularly during long-distance journeys.
