Rescuers searched through wreckage after a deadly bus crash in Sri Lanka, leaving at least 15 passengers dead and 16 others injured.

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 the wrecked coach, twisted by the force of the fall, with passengers' belongings scattered across the site.

Emergency workers, including military personnel, carried out rescue operations on treacherous terrain, using flashlights and spotlights to illuminate the scene.

They were joined by the air force, fire 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.