In a tragic accident in Sri Lanka, a packed passenger bus carrying Buddhist pilgrims plunged off a cliff near Kotmale, killing 21 people and injuring at least 24 others.

The bus, meant to carry 50 passengers, had around 70 on board when the driver lost control early Sunday morning. Authorities are investigating whether mechanical failure or driver fatigue was to blame

The bus landed upside down in a tea plantation after rolling down a steep slope. Survivors described the bus leaning dangerously before the crash.

Locals rushed to help rescue victims, which officials say likely saved more lives.

Deadly bus crashes are common in Sri Lanka due to poor road conditions and reckless driving. The country sees about 3,000 traffic fatalities annually. This incident follows other recent tourist deaths, including a woman fatally injured after leaning out of a moving train and two backpackers who died from pesticide poisoning at a hostel