The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has deployed two helicopters to assist in rescue and evacuation operations following last night’s fatal bus accident on the Ella–Wellawaya road.

According to the SLAF, a MI-17 helicopter at the SLAF Combat Training School in Diyatalawa and a Bell 412 helicopter at SLAF Station Weerawila have been placed on standby. Both aircraft are ready to airlift patients to Colombo or support ongoing rescue efforts.

The accident, which occurred near the 24th kilometre post, has claimed at least 10 lives and left more than 15 others injured. Several of the victims remain in critical condition at the Badulla Teaching Hospital.

Rescue operations involving police and security forces are continuing, though officials report that low visibility has hampered efforts at the crash site.