A tragic incident unfolded at the Fox Hill Supercross race in Diyatalawa, Sri Lanka, an army base town, claiming the lives of seven individuals and injuring 21 others. Among the casualties were four race officials and spectators, including a young girl aged 8, the army confirmed.
The crash occurred on Sunday at an army-owned track in Diyatalawa, a former garrison town in central southern Sri Lanka. Details about the driver involved, his condition, and potential charges remain scarce, although authorities have initiated a full police investigation.
According to police spokesman Nihal Talduwa, “This accident happened when the car jumped out of the running lane”. Eyewitnesses also reported that the crash happened soon after another car had overturned on the track.
Despite efforts to warn drivers and slow down the vehicles, one car veered off course and ploughed into spectators along the unguarded track.
Footage circulating on social media captured the chaotic aftermath, with screams echoing through the crowd as people rushed to assist the victims. The tragedy resulted in five immediate deaths, with two more individuals succumbing to their injuries in the hospital. Several others are reportedly in critical condition.
In the wake of the incident, Sri Lankan citizens have raised concerns about the lack of safety measures, particularly the absence of safety barriers in certain sections of the track. The event, organised by the Sri Lankan Automobile Sports Association, marked its return after a five-year hiatus due to pandemic-related restrictions and economic challenges in the country.
The organisers had made the event accessible to the public free of charge, drawing an estimated crowd of around 100,000 attendees.
Melissa Enoch
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