Five people were killed and dozens injured when three buses collided on Sri Lanka's A9 highway in Anuradhapura district on Tuesday morning, police said.
Two buses of the state-run Sri Lanka Transport Board collided head-on near the Rambewa-Welioya junction on the Anuradhapura-Jaffna road, and a private passenger bus travelling behind them rammed into one of them, according to the police account. Police spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler confirmed five deaths.
The injured were taken to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital and to hospitals in Rambewa and Medawachchiya. The count of injured has varied through the day: police and hospital sources initially put it at about 20, later reports said more than 50, and one local account said up to 70. Several are reported to be in a serious condition.
The Mihintale Police have begun an investigation into the cause, examining speed, overtaking and possible mechanical failure. The A9 is the main arterial route between Colombo and the north, and carries heavy long-distance bus traffic.
(With inputs from media reports)