Driver of Passara bus accident survives - Police

Colombo (News 1st); Locals claimed a rock that had fallen onto the road in Passara was one cause for the Saturday (20) bus accident which claimed the lives of 14 people and left more than two dozen people injured. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMoiX8I9p0Y[/embed] SLPP Member of Parliament Chamara Sampath said he informed the respective contractor involved in road development to remove the rock from the road, however, the delay in doing so had attributed to the accident. 13 women, 15 men, and 05 children were injured in the accident and 04 of them are in critical condition, said Sri Lanka Police. The driver of an ill-fated passenger bus that skidded off the road and fell into a precipice of more than 200 ft, near Passara along Badulla- Bibile road, had survived the accident, said Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana. Moments after the accident took place, a body was recovered from the driver's seat and it was initially believed he was the driver, said DIG Ajith Rohana noting, however, later it was revealed he was not the driver. The driver of the bus is currently receiving treatment in hospital, he added. According to investigations, the accident took place at a double-bend area along the road, he said adding a tipper truck coming in the opposite direction to give way for the bus. However, it was observed the driver of the bus had lost control of the wheel, resulting in the tragedy, said the Police Spokesperson. Further, the bus is to be subjected to a technical investigation as well. Army troops of the 112 Brigade of the 11 Division rushed to the 13th Mile Post in Passara area and engaged in rescue operations, together with Sri Lanka Police and residents. Reports suggest, salvage teams will not be able to raise the bus out of the precipice today and the process would require more time.