A multi-vehicle accident has been reported on the Southern Expressway between the Gelanigama and Dodangoda interchanges, with more than 10 people reportedly admitted to hospital.
The accident occurred when a bus travelling from Matara towards Colombo collided with several other vehicles.
A bus transporting schoolchildren and a cab were among the vehicles involved in the initial collision, while several vehicles travelling behind them subsequently crashed into each other.
Two buses and around six cars are among the vehicles reported to have been involved in the accident. Several schoolchildren are also reportedly among those injured.
Following the accident, police have diverted vehicles travelling from Galle towards Colombo through the Dodangoda exit.
The accident has caused a major traffic jam on the Southern Expressway between Gelanigama and Dodangoda, as the roadway has been obstructed.
