Seven people tragically lost their lives when a rally car veered off course and ploughed into spectators in Sri Lanka. The horrific incident occurred on Sunday (April 21) at the army base town of Diyatalawa, which is situated approximately 110 miles east of Colombo, the capital city.
Thousands of spectators were present to watch the Fox Hill Supercross race. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, prompting police to launch an investigation.
Among the deceased are four officials and three others, including an eight-year-old girl, while another 21 people are currently receiving treatment in hospital, with three reported to be in critical condition. The race, organised by the Sri Lankan army and Sri Lanka Automobile Sports, was immediately suspended following the accident.
Eyewitnesses report that the crash occurred shortly after another car had flipped over on the track. This marked the first time the race has taken place in five years due to pandemic restrictions and the country’s economic crisis.
Following a hospital examination, two drivers were remanded until the end of the month by the Bandarawela Magistrate. Police spokesperson Nihal Talduwa told BBC Sinhala: “This accident happened when the car that jumped out of the running lane collided with the officials who were working in the tournament and a group of spectators.”
He further stated, “There are about 20 people injured in the incident, three of them are in serious condition.” One of the drivers involved described the accident, explaining, “When the race started and about 300 meters away when I was going to overtake the car on the left, my car hit the back of that car and rolled over with all four tyres on top.”
He continued, “At the same time, someone came from the other side and tried to get me out of the car.” The driver emphasized the chaos of the situation, saying, “Even then, I could hear the race continuing.
I felt that if something happened, the damage would increase.” The driver’s account illustrated the disorienting nature of the event, “When I tried to get out from the other side of the car, I saw my helmet from the side and the two crashed cars were rolling.
Perhaps something must have happened to those two vehicles some distance away.”
