Sri Lanka, Dec. 12 -- A swift and courageous decision by a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus driver prevented a major tragedy this morning (12) when the brakes failed on a bus travelling from Badulla to Anuradhapura.

Driver Janaka Thushara of the Kekirawa SLTB depot said the bus, which left Badulla at 6.35 a.m., was moving along the Badulla-Mahiyanganaya road when its brakes suddenly failed near the dangerous Dunhinda bend.

Realizing the imminent risk of the bus plunging down a steep precipice, he steered the vehicle into a roadside dam to bring it to a halt.

His quick action saved all 14 passengers on board.

The bus conductor recalled the tense moments, saying, "I told the passengers to hold on tight. The driver gripped the wheel ...