Sri Lanka: Race car crashes into spectators, 7 dead (VIDEO)

At least seven people were killed when a race car veered off a track and ploughed into a crowd of spectators in Sri Lanka on Sunday.

The incident occurred at the Fox Hill circuit in Diyatalawa, some 180 kilometers (110 miles) east of the capital, Colombo.

#Incredible #tragedy. Seven people, including a child, were killed and 23 others seriously injured after a #racingcar skidded off the #track and into spectators during a #race in #Diyathalawa, #SriLanka. pic.twitter.com/dyLQTKA42v

— Donato Yaakov Secchi (@doyaksec) April 21, 2024

"A total of 27 people were taken to hospital and seven of them succumbed to their injuries," police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa said.

Among the dead were four race officials and an eight-year-old girl.

At least seven people were killed when a race car veered off a track and ploughed into a crowd of spectators in Sri Lanka.https://t.co/3ubW7ys2rC pic.twitter.com/zpG79askcO

— DW News (@dwnews) April 22, 2024

Investigation underway

Thalduwa said police have opened an investigation into the accident, which occurred at the motor sports event organized by the Sri Lankan army.

The remaining races were called off after the accident.

Around 45,000 spectators had gathered at the event, which was being held for the first time in five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Sri Lanka's economic crisis.

Shortly before the crash, army chief Vikum Liyanage announced that the gates had been opened to spectators free of charge in order to promote motor sports.