Tragic Incident at Sri Lanka Motorsport Event
During a motorsport event hosted by Sri Lanka’s army, a devastating incident occurred resulting in the loss of lives and injuries to many spectators. Here are the details of the tragic event:
Details of the Incident
- At least seven people were killed and 21 others were wounded when a race car crashed into spectators at the Fox Hill circuit.
- The incident took place on an unprotected stretch of the track, maintained by the Sri Lankan army.
- Video footage circulating on social media captured the moment when track marshals signaled yellow flags to warn drivers to slow down after a car overturned on the track.
- Prior to the crash, the gates were opened to spectators free of charge as part of an initiative to promote motorsports.
Army Chief’s Announcement
Army chief Vikum Liyanage announced the decision to allow free entry to the event, which attracted a large crowd to the Fox Hill circuit. He mentioned that the event was significant as it marked the return of motorsports after a five-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic and economic challenges faced by the island.
“Today is a very special day… we decided to allow anyone to come in free,” Liyanage stated, highlighting the estimated attendance of around 100,000 spectators at the event.
Road Safety Concerns in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s roads have been a cause for concern, with statistics showing a high rate of fatalities. On average, eight deaths are reported daily along the extensive road network spanning over 12,500 kilometers.
