A committee appointed by the Police to investigate the recent bus accident in Gerandi Ella of Kotmale conducted inspections at the accident site yesterday (13) and is expected to submit recommendations based on their findings in the coming days.

The tragedy occurred on Sunday (11) when a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus travelling from Kataragama to Kurunegala via Nuwara Eliya veered off the road and plunged down a precipice along the Nuwara Eliya–Gampola main road. The accident claimed the lives of 23 people.

Around 40 others are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals.

The team, which included Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Ajith Rohana and Deputy Inspector General of Police and legal expert Ruwan Gunasekara, inspected the site of the accident.  They later visited the Kotmale Police Station to examine the bus involved in the incident.

According to the Police Media Division, the final report will be prepared after reviewing witness statements, other scientific evidence, and expert opinions — including those of motor vehicle inspectors.

Meanwhile, the personal belongings of passengers involved in the recent bus accident at Gerandi Ella in Ramboda —including travel bags, mobile phones, and other items — have been safely stored at the Kotmale Police Station, Kotmale OIC, Chief Inspector Vajira Ratnayake said.

Accordingly, the items can be collected upon proper identification.

He noted that with the assistance of local residents at the accident site, the Police recovered and secured 35 mobile phones, travel bags, and various other items left behind.

However, the conductor’s ticket book and cash are still missing, the OIC added.

Police further said the exact number of passengers on board at the time of the accident has yet to be confirmed, as the driver died in the incident and the conductor is currently hospitalised.