Sri Lanka Mourning: Seven Victims as Motorsports Race Car Collides with Crowd
Tragedy struck at the Fox Hill Supercross race in Diyatalawa, Sri Lanka, on Sunday when a race car careened into spectators, resulting in seven fatalities and 21 injuries. The incident occurred in Diyatalawa, a town situated within an army base.
According to reports from the army, among the deceased were four race officials and spectators, including a young eight-year-old girl. Details regarding the driver, their condition, and potential charges remain scant, but authorities have assured the public that a comprehensive police investigation is underway.
The crash unfolded at the army-owned track when the car veered off its designated lane, as confirmed by police spokesman Nihal Talduwa. Witnesses recounted that the accident occurred shortly after another car had overturned on the track. Efforts to slow down vehicles near the scene using yellow lights were futile, leading to the tragic collision with spectators along the unguarded track perimeter.
Disturbing footage circulated on social media depicted the chaos and anguish following the incident, with screams echoing through the crowd as bystanders rushed to assist the injured.
Of the seven fatalities, five occurred at the scene, while two individuals succumbed to their injuries later in hospital. Several others remain in critical condition, underscoring the severity of the incident.
The absence of adequate safety barriers along certain track sections has sparked criticism and raised questions about the event’s safety protocols. Sri Lankans have taken to social media to express their concerns, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
The Fox Hill Supercross race, organized by the Sri Lankan Automobile Sports Association, has been a longstanding event since 1993. However, due to pandemic restrictions and the country’s economic challenges, this was the first race held in five years. Despite the absence of racing activity during this hiatus, organizers welcomed spectators free of charge for the event, drawing an estimated crowd of around 100,000 attendees.
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