Sri Lanka, Sept. 9 -- The driver of a luxury SUV involved in a fatal bus crash near Ella described the incident, saying the bus appeared suddenly, "like a decorated pandal with lights, at lightning speed." The crash occurred on the Ella-Wellawaya main road on September 4, resulting in the deaths of 15 people and injuries to 18 others.

According to police, the bus was carrying municipal employees returning from a trip when it struck the SUV, which was carrying three brothers. The brothers and their vehicle sustained only minor damage.

The 22-year-old driver of the SUV, Chamindu Deshan, stated that as he and his brothers were heading home, the bus came into view, "lit up with flashing lights, speeding directly at me." He swerved to the le...