Three people lost their lives in a tragic collision between a bus and a van in the Elawanakanda area of Laggala, Matale this evening (14).

The accident occurred around 7:30 PM on the Dambulla-Mahiyangana road within the Wilgamuwa police division.

According to police reports, a bus traveling from Dambulla to Mahiyangana collided head-on with a van coming from the opposite direction, causing the bus to overtu down a cliff.

A total of 37 bus passengers and five van occupants were injured and rushed to the Wilgamuwa Hospital. Two bus passengers and one van occupant succumbed to their injuries.