Investigation underway into fatal Badulla bus accident

By Palitha Ariyawansa   

Badulla Division SSP Wasantha Kandewatta said a comprehensive investigation into the fatal bus accident on the Badulla-Mahiyangana Road last Friday (01) was underway.

Two female students from Kotelawala Defence University died, and at least 40 others sustained serious injuries.

He stated that the driver, who is in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Badulla Teaching Hospital, remains unconscious and unable to provide a statement. The driver, identified as Prasanna Kumara (41), is a resident of Elvitigala in Galle and a civilian employee at the Defence University. SSP Kandewatta added that the Motor Vehicle Examiners’ report on the bus involved in the accident has not yet been received. A decision on the cause of the accident—whether it was due to a technical defect or driver negligence—will be made upon receipt of the report. He said the driver would be taken into custody after being discharged from the hospital.

He further advised that vehicles on the five-kilometer incline from Rideepana to Badulla should shift to a lower gear to maintain controlled speeds, as those running in third or fourth gears risk losing control in case of an emergency.

Meanwhile, Dr. Palitha Rajapakse, Chief Medical Officer of the Emergency Treatment Unit at Badulla Teaching Hospital, reported that 13 of the 40 injured passengers had been discharged as of yesterday morning, with seven others still receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. He mentioned that several more passengers could be discharged soon.

Dr. Rajapakse also said an investigation would be conducted regarding an injured student who left the hospital and expressed concern about the student’s behavior in the hospital and statements to the media.

He added that doctors and staff prioritized the treatment of accident victims with the available facilities, though the student seemed to disregard this effort entirely.