Sri Lanka Bus Crash Near Kotmale Kills 21 Injures 14

A tragic bus accident occurred in Sri Lanka's central hilly region near Kotmale, where a state-run bus skidded off a cliff, resulting in fatalities and numerous injuries. Reports vary on the death toll, with figures ranging from 8 to 21 deaths and injuries from 14 to over 30, reflecting the chaotic aftermath and ongoing investigations. The bus was reportedly overcrowded, carrying around 50 to 70 passengers, many of whom were Buddhist pilgrims, when it lost control early Sunday morning. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, with possibilities including driver error, mechanical failure, or road conditions. Sri Lanka's roads, especially in hilly areas, are known for frequent fatal accidents often attributed to reckless driving and poor road maintenance. This incident adds to the country's high road fatality rate, with hundreds of deaths reported annually.