Ella-Wellawaya bus tragedy claims 15 lives

Another 18 people, including five children, have been injured and hospitalized. Among the deceased are nine women and six men, while the injured comprise 11 men and seven women.

Police said the accident occurred when a bus carrying a group of Tangalle Municipal Council employees returning from a picnic plunged 200 meters down a cliff. More than 30 people were on board at the time.

Rescue efforts were carried out under challenging conditions by police, the army, the air force, the fire services department, and local residents.

Authorities are conducting further investigations into the cause of the tragedy.