Luxury Bus Overturns in Saliyawewa: Two Dead and 12 Injured After Striking Utility Pole

A tragic accident occurred today, October 22, 2026, at approximately 5:40 PM in the Mahahanyaya area of Pokiswasama, Saliyawewa, on the Puttalam-Anuradhapura road. A Sunlong luxury bus traveling from Colombo to Mannar lost control, veered off the road, and struck a high-voltage concrete utility pole before rolling over. The impact caused severe damage to the roof and passenger cabin, shattering the front windshield completely. Following the collision, the bus came to a rest on its side. Local residents, emergency response teams, and the Saliyawewa Police launched a rescue operation, utilizing cranes to extract trapped passengers from the wreckage. The intensity of the crash resulted in two confirmed fatalities at the scene. Twelve injured passengers—eight men and four women—were initially rushed to the Aluthgama Rural Hospital before being transferred to the Puttalam Base Hospital for specialized care. Medical reports indicate that six of the victims remain in critical condition. The Saliyawewa Police are currently conducting further investigations into the cause of the accident. Road Safety Takeaway: High-deck luxury coaches possess a high center of gravity, making them susceptible to rolling over if steered abruptly or if wheels slip onto soft shoulders. Furthermore, in accidents involving utility poles, there is a severe risk of live wires falling onto the vehicle. Passengers are advised to remain inside until safety is confirmed. Always wear seatbelts, as they are critical in preventing passengers from being ejected during a rollover.