A tragic incident unfolded in the Pallawala Walawa area, within the jurisdiction of the Pinnawala Police in Balangoda, where a 26-year-old man lost his life after being buried under a sudden earth collapse.

According to News 1st correspondent, the victim was working alongside two others in a mine when a mass of soil unexpectedly gave way, burying them beneath.

One of the workers sustained minor injuries and was promptly hospitalized for treatment.

Local residents, in collaboration with the Pinnawala Police, launched an intense rescue operation to retrieve the buried individuals.

After nearly two hours of relentless effort, the young man was recovered and rushed to the Balangoda Hospital. Unfortunately, despite medical intervention, he could not be saved.

The deceased has been identified as K.J. Nadika Sarada Gunathilaka, a resident of the Pallawala Walawa area. Family members revealed that he had recently returned home after completing his studies at Uva Wellassa University and had been home for less than a month.