The owner of the bus involved in the fatal accident on the Ella–Wellawaya road has been arrested for failing to maintain the vehicle properly.
The incident occurred on the 4th near the 24th kilometre post in the Ella Police Division, when a bus carrying a group from the Tangalle area on a picnic trip plunged into a ravine. The crash claimed 15 lives.
Among the deceased were Tangalle Municipal Council Secretary T.W.K. Rupasena and 12 employees of the Municipal Council.
Police said the arrest was made following investigations that revealed the vehicle was not in proper condition at the time of the accident.
