Driver Fatigue Blamed in Nuwara Eliya Bus Tragedy That Killed 23

COLOMBO (News 1st); The investigation report into the tragic bus accident in Nuwara Eliya’s Garandiella area, which claimed the lives of 23 passengers, has been released, revealing that the driver had been operating the vehicle for an extended period without adequate rest.

The accident occurred in the early hours of May 11, when a SLTB bus operating from Kataragama to Kurunegala veered off the Nuwara Eliya–Kandy road and plunged into a precipice.

In addition to the 23 fatalities, nearly 60 others sustained injuries.

A six-member inquiry panel conducted a thorough investigation, including on-site inspections and a technical examination of the bus at the Kotmale Police Station.

According to the report, the driver had only taken a 15-minute break in the Welimada area, despite regulations requiring a minimum 30-minute rest after every 4.5 hours of continuous driving.

At the time of the accident, the driver had reportedly been behind the wheel for over 6.5 hours without a proper break.

The panel concluded that the driver had violated provisions of the Motor Traffic Act.

However, it also emphasized that the driver alone should not bear full responsibility for the tragedy.

The report identified several contributing factors, including unauthorized roadside constructions along the route, poor road design and maintenance, and lapses in oversight by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB).