Southern Expressway Bus Fire Disrupts Traffic, No Injuries Reported

A private passenger bus caught fire and was completely destroyed on the Southern Expressway this evening, near the 64-kilometre marker between the Welipenna and Kurundugahahetekma interchanges. The incident, which occurred around 6:45 PM, is believed to have been caused by a sudden technical fault originating from the rear engine compartment. The bus, travelling from Colombo to Galle with at least 20 passengers, did not result in any injuries or fatalities, according to police. The fire led to significant traffic congestion extending approximately 3 kilometres towards Galle, prompting authorities to divert vehicles through the Welipenna Interchange. Police and emergency teams managed the scene and traffic flow.