A private bus carrying around 40 passengers overturned after being attacked by a wild elephant on the Kataragama–Buttala Road yesterday (3), injuring around 10 passengers.

The accident occurred at around 11 a.m. near the electric fence checkpoint within the Kataragama Police Division.

The bus was travelling towards Buttala after transporting a group of pilgrims from Chilaw to Kataragama when a wild elephant suddenly attacked the vehicle while it was on the road.

The driver reportedly lost control of the bus following the attack, causing it to veer off the road and overturn.

Around 10 passengers were injured and admitted to the Kataragama Divisional Hospital for treatment. Hospital sources said none of the injured passengers was in serious condition.