Here is the rundown of everything we know that happened at Colombo Sri Lanka
Colombo was meant to be a thrilling day for motor racing enthusiasts, tragedy struck on Sunday (21 April 2024) in Sri Lanka’s Diyatalawa region, as a horrific incident unfolded during the Fox Hill Supercross Motorsport event, resulting in the loss of seven lives, including that of a child. Here is the rundown of all the confirmed information.
The unfortunate event took place during the “Fox Hill SuperCross 2024” racing event held in Diyathalawa, a former garrison town nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka’s Badulla District, within the Uva Province.
Moreover, according to reports, the incident claimed the lives of seven individuals, including a child, while 23 others sustained injuries. Among the casualties were four racing event officials serving as flag marshals, as well as civilians who were spectators.
The victims have been identified as follows:
- Shivakumar Dhanushika, 8 years old from Welimada
- Chamath Niroshan, 19 years old from Seeduwa
- Ashan Heenatigala, 20 years old from Akuressa
- Rasika Abeynayake, 32 years old from Avissawella, an Army Soldier on vacation
- Muththusamy Udayakumar, 55 years old from Welimada
- Aruna Upaligamage, 62 years old from Matara
- Ganesh Kamalanath, 60 years old from Matara
On top of that, eyewitness accounts indicate that during one of the car races in the afternoon session, a vehicle bearing the number ‘71’ overturned, leading race marshals to signal a caution with yellow flags.
Tragically, amidst this chaos, another car veered off the track, crashing into a group of spectators. While initial reports suggested involvement of cars numbered ‘5’ and ‘196’, authorities are yet to officially confirm these details and Sri Lanka Police have confirmed the grim toll, reporting the loss of a young girl and six adults, all succumbing to injuries sustained in the horrifying accident. Additionally, 21 others suffered injuries in the crash.
The condition of the drivers involved remains unconfirmed by Sri Lankan authorities. However, footage from the scene depicted visibly shaken drivers receiving medical attention from paramedics. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, the nation mourns the loss of lives and extends its deepest condolences to the families affected by this heartbreaking incident.
