Eleven persons were killed when a passenger bus travelling from Polonnaruwa to Kattankudy, Kalmunai went off the road near the Kotaleeya bridge at Manampitiya and toppled into the river.
Police said in addition, more than 35 passengers were injured and hospitalized.
The accident had happened around 8 p.m. yesterday and the private passenger transport bus was plying from Kaduruwela, Polonnaruwa to Kattankudy and Kalmunai.
There were ten males and one female among the dead and according to Police over 35 injured people are receiving treatment at Manampitiya and Polonnaruwa hospitals when the paper when to print last night. Hospital sources said several patients were in a serious condition. The Manampitiya police are investigating under the direction of the Polonnaruwa SSP.
Sources said that Police arrested the driver last night and Navy sailors are schedulled to arrive at the scene today morning.
Meanwhile, Police are investigating whether tyre puncture of the bus had occured on the bridge or the bus had driven fast.