The Defence Secretary has ordered the Sri Lanka Air Force to prepare a Bell 412 helicopter at the Diyatalawa Air Force Base for the possible airlift of patients injured in a tragic bus accident on November 1.
The accident occurred at Ambagas Junction on the Dunhinda-Badulla road around 7:45 AM, involving a bus carrying 42 individuals from the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) Southern Campus.
Among those on board were 36 students from the 39th KDU Intake, three lecturers, an instructor, a senior military officer, and the bus driver. Sadly, two female students from Kurunegala and Nivithigala lost their lives in the incident.
The remaining 40 passengers were transported to Badulla General Hospital, where seven are currently in the ICU, and one is in critical condition. KDU’s Vice-Chancellor has stated that the university will assist with funeral arrangements for the deceased students.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a mechanical fault may have contributed to the accident, and a detailed inquiry is underway to establish the exact cause. The Defence Secretary's directive ensures that resources are on standby for any necessary medical evacuations to Colombo for further treatment.
