A mini-bus carrying municipal workers fell 250 feet into a valley near the Ella-Vellavaya main road in Sri Lanka, killing 15 and injuring 18.

The accident occurred on Thursday night as the workers were returning from a holiday trip to Ravana Ella.

Rescue operations, involving police and security forces, are ongoing, though progress is slowed by darkness.

About 30 passengers were on board when the bus met with the accident, and all those hurt have been rushed to Badulla Teaching Hospital for care.