A motorsport race in Sri Lanka turned into disaster as a car veered off the track plowing into spectators and race officials. The incident occurred during the Fox Hill Supercross event in Diyatalawa, Sri Lanka, a town in the central hills region known for its tea cultivation.
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The crash resulted in the loss of seven lives, including four race officials and an eight-year-old girl. 20 individuals sustained injuries, with three reported to be in critical condition. The injured were transported to a local military hospital for urgent medical attention.
The Fox Hill Supercross event organized by the military, marked its 28th run and drew a huge crowd of over 100,000 spectators. The race circuit situated at a Sri Lankan military academy.
Thousands of spectators watched in horror as the car veered off course plunging into the unsuspecting crowd and race officials.
Authorities launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the crash. Initial reports show that one of the cars lost control, veering off the track and causing the deadly collision.
Organizers made the difficult decision to suspend the race, which was the 17th event out of 24 scheduled races.
Approximately 45,000 spectators had congregated at the race circuit, highlighting the popularity of motorsport events in Sri Lanka. The race was jointly organized by the army and Sri Lanka Automobile Sports.
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The event held particular as it marked the first time in five years that the Fox Hill Supercross event took place. The hiatus was attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic challenges.
The Sri Lankan military’s role in organizing the event underlines its association with motorsport activities in the country. The military academy in Diyatalawa served as the venue for the race.
The accident happened in the serene town of Diyatalawa, in the tea-growing central hills of Sri Lanka, approximately 180 kilometers east of the bustling capital, Colombo.
Thousands of spectators had gathered to witness the spectacle, only to be confronted with a nightmare scenario as a race car veered off the track plowing into spectators and officials.
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident as questions loom over the cause of the crash.
Police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa has confirmed that one of the cars lost control, veering off its path and barreling into the crowd.
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