Disaster averted: Driver saves 80 passengers

A quick-thinking bus driver averted a potential tragedy early yesterday morning, saving 80 passengers on board a bus on the Hatton–Colombo main road after it suffered a complete brake failure on a steep descent

A quick-thinking bus driver averted a potential tragedy early yesterday morning, saving 80 passengers on board a bus on the Hatton–Colombo main road after it suffered a complete brake failure on a steep descent.

According to the Ginigathhena Police, the incident occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. yesterday. The bus, travelling from Talawakelle to Colombo, lost all braking power as it entered the steep Mahawanguwa curve near Ginigathhena. Faced with asuddenloss of control, the driver, 49-year-old Mahesh Sudarshana, made a critical decision to deliberately steer the vehicle into a soft sand embankment, successfully bringing it to a halt.

His actions ensured the safety of all 80 passengers on board, who were subsequently transferred to another bus without injury.