Race Car Crash Kills Seven at Sri Lankan Motorsport Event
Tragedy at Sri Lankan Motorsport Event: Race Car Crashes into Spectators, Killing Seven
A horrific incident occurred at a motorsport event hosted by the Sri Lankan army on Sunday, leaving seven people dead and 21 others injured. The tragedy unfolded when a race car veered off the track and ploughed into a crowd of spectators.
The incident took place at the Fox Hill circuit, which is maintained by the Sri Lankan army. A video circulating on social media shows track marshals waving yellow flags to warn drivers of a car that had overturned on the track. However, the drivers continued to speed past in clouds of dust, until a red car slammed into the crowd. Screams of horror can be heard in the video.
According to police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa, a total of 27 people were rushed to the hospital, but seven succumbed to their injuries. Among the deceased was an eight-year-old girl.
The event was being held for the first time in five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the island’s economic crisis. Shortly before the crash, army chief Vikum Liyanage announced that the gates had been opened to spectators free of charge to promote motorsports. Liyanage claimed that approximately 100,000 spectators were present at the circuit.
The tragedy highlights the dangers of motorsports and the importance of safety measures. Sri Lanka’s roads are among the most dangerous in the world, with an average of eight fatalities reported daily.