Terrifying reports are speaking up about a passenger bus that skidded off a cliff in Sri Lanka and killed 21 people while injuring nearly 24 more.

The accident that took place is called out as one of the deadliest in the country’s history for decades. It took place during the early hours of the day in the mountainous region near the town of Kotmale.

Sources revealed that it was nearly 86 miles east of the capital city of Colombo.

The state-owned bus was reportedly carrying nearly 70 passengers, which was about 20 more than its capacity. This is when the driver lost complete control and veered off the road before the crack of dawn.

‘We are trying to establish whether it was a mechanical fault or if the driver fell asleep at the wheel’- a local police expert shared on the matter as investigations continue.

The country’s transport minister shared that the injured were rushed to two local hospitals nearby. Reports shared how the bus was carrying dozens of Buddhist pilgrims.

So far, the death toll has hit 21 people, and they are still trying to identify the victims.