The World - News from Jan. 18, 1989
At least 51 people, including 35 schoolgirls, were killed when a train slammed into a crowded bus in southern Sri Lanka. About 72 bus passengers were injured in the accident at an unprotected level crossing at Ahungalle, 60 miles south of Colombo, the capital. No one on the train was hurt. The state-owned bus was carrying students from four local schools who were returning home from a visit to a clinic. The train, traveling about 50 m.p.h., crushed the bus and broke it in two, dragging part of it 250 yards.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
