A horrific bus crash left at least 15 passengers dead and 16 others injured in Sri Lanka.

The vehicle plummeted down a hillside near the town of Wellawaya, in the mountainous Ella region of Uva Province, on Thursday night, September 4.

Officials said the group consisted of municipal employees who had been on a trip to scenic hill towns and tea plantations in the area.

Footage shows emergency workers, including military personnel, carrying out rescue efforts on steep terrain with flashlights and spotlights illuminating the scene.

They were assisted by the air force, fire department crews, police, and residents, with efforts continuing until 4 am local time on Friday.

Police spokesman Fredrick Wootler reported that the coach was travelling at high speed before it lost control, collided with another vehicle and crashed into guardrails, eventually plunging off a 1,000ft precipice.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.