SLTB Bus and Van Collide in Tandikulam, Vavuniya on A9 Highway Leaving Van Heavily Damaged

On November 2, 2026, a serious collision occurred along the Jaffna-Kandy (A9) main road in the Tandikulam area of Vavuniya, involving an SLTB passenger bus and a light van. The incident took place when a red Ashok Leyland passenger bus belonging to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), operating under the 'Yaldevi Express' service along the Jaffna-Colombo (Route No. 87) line, collided with a white light van. Due to the severe impact, the front right side of the van—including the driver's cabin door, bumper, and front wheel—was completely crushed and destroyed. The front right bumper and body panels of the SLTB bus also sustained significant damage. Injured victims from the crash were promptly rushed to the Vavuniya General Hospital for medical treatment by emergency responders. The collision caused temporary gridlock and disruptions to traffic flow along the vital A9 corridor. The traffic division of the Vavuniya Police Station has initiated further investigations into the incident. Motorists travelling along the A9 highway are strongly urged to exercise extreme caution, maintain proper lane discipline, and refrain from risky overtaking maneuvers, especially when approaching heavy passenger vehicles. Understanding the limited crumple zones of light vans compared to heavy buses is vital for defensive driving on long-distance routes.