At least 17 persons have sustained injuries after a tree fell on a bus in Colombo this morning (Oct. 06), Ada Derana learns.

However, two passengers are still trapped inside, and the police and air force personnel have jointly initiated an operation to rescue them.

The Deniyaya-bound bus had departed Pettah this morning when a tree fell on it near the Liberty Junction in Kollupitiya.

The injured passengers have been rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention.

Meanwhile, the Duplication Road has been closed for traffic movement following the tragic accident and the police have advised the motorists to use alternative routes for the time being.

UPDATE (09:10 AM): Five people, who were injured after a tree collapsed on a passenger bus in Kollupitiya this morning have died, a spokesperson of the Colombo National Hospital said.

UPDATE (11:30 AM): The Duplication Road in Kollupitiya has been reopened for vehicular movement after the fallen tree that had blocked the traffic was cleared.

Meanwhile, on the directives of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake has instructed the Transport Ministry and Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) to provide financial aid up to Rs. 500,000 each to the families of those who died in the tragic accident at Kollupitiya this morning.