In a devastating turn of events, a driver crashed into a crowd of spectators at a motorsport event organized by Sri Lanka’s army, resulting in the loss of at least seven lives and leaving 21 others wounded. The incident occurred at the Fox Hill circuit, a venue maintained by the Sri Lankan army, during a packed event on Sunday.
The tragedy unfolded as a race car veered off course into an unprotected section of the track, colliding with unsuspecting onlookers. A widely circulated video on social media captured the chaos, showing track marshals signaling for caution after a car had overturned earlier. Despite these warnings, a red car failed to slow down and ploughed into the crowd, causing panic and screams among the spectators.
According to police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa, 27 individuals were rushed to the hospital following the crash, with seven of them succumbing to their injuries. Among the deceased was an eight-year-old girl, highlighting the heartbreaking toll of the accident.
The tragic incident occurred amidst efforts to revive motorsport events in Sri Lanka after a hiatus of five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic challenges faced by the island nation. Army chief Vikum Liyanage had announced free entry for spectators as a promotional strategy, leading to a significant turnout of around 100,000 people at the Fox Hill circuit, located approximately 180 kilometers east of Colombo.
The accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with motorsport and the importance of robust safety measures, especially in crowded events. Sri Lanka’s road safety record has also come under scrutiny, with an average of eight fatalities reported daily on its extensive road network, reflecting broader concerns about road safety in the country.
Sources By Agencies
