Military assistance has been provided for the rescue operation of the victims of the bus accident in Wellawaya on Thursday.
According to the Sri Lanka Army, a private bus carrying pilgrims from the Tangalle area met with an accident around 9:20 PM yesterday, overturning into a ravine near Mount 07 Hotel on the Ella–Wellawaya road, close to Ravana Falls.
Acting under the instructions of Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, military personnel immediately joined the rescue efforts to assist those affected.
Approximately 200 army personnel, including members of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, the Gemunu Watch, and the Commando Regiment, were deployed from last night to support the emergency rescue operation.
The bus had come to a halt at the bottom of the ravine, and transporting the injured individuals uphill over half a kilometre proved to be an extremely difficult task.
With the help of army commandos trained in rappelling and rescue operations, the victims were successfully evacuated and transported by ambulance to hospitals in Badulla, Bandarawela, and Diyatalawa.
The Sri Lankan Army added that a large number of local residents joined the army personnel in the rescue efforts, and thanks to their dedication and tireless work, the operation was successfully completed this morning. (Newswire)