15 Killed in Bus Crash in Sri Lanka

At least 15 people have died after a bus carrying around 30 local tourists plunged into a ravine in central Sri Lanka, police confirmed on Friday.

The accident occurred on Thursday evening in the mountainous town of Ella, about 130 kilometers east of Colombo. 

Police said the bus first collided with another vehicle before veering off the road and falling into a deep gorge.

Among the dead were 14 passengers and the driver. Authorities confirmed that all of the victims were Sri Lankan nationals and no foreign tourists were among the casualties.

A further 16 people were injured in the crash and have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident, which remains unclear.