Rallycross Crash Leaves Seven Dead, 20 Injured in Sri Lanka
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Seven people have been killed following a crash at the Fox Hill Supercross race on Sunday in Diyatalawa, Sri Lanka. Point-of-view video from the event shows an overturned car blocking a portion of the gravel track before another competing vehicle careens into the crowd. A total of three race cars appear to be involved in the crash, per video clips of the immediate aftermath.
Five people died at the scene while two later died in hospital, according to the BBC. Of the deceased, four were event officials, according to the Associated Press. 20 additional spectators were injured, some of whom remain in critical condition.
Held at Fox Hill Circuit on Sri Lankan Military Academy premises, the event was organized by the Sri Lanka Military Academy and Sri Lanka Army Motor Sports Committee, with additional administrative help from the Sri Lanka Automobile Sports organization. According to the event bulletin, the event consisted of a qualifying day on Saturday and a heat-style race day on Sunday. The event was open to cars and motorcycles.
With seven different car classifications and three motorcycle categories, the event drew as many as 45,000 spectators according to the Associated Press. A technical inspection requirement including documentation of the engine bay, roll cage structure, and rear of the vehicle was also laid out in the regulations sheet for the Fox Hill Supercross.
Despite these mechanical protections, footage from the event shows low dirt levees and sporadically placed signage as the only barrier between the racing vehicles and spectators at the scene of the crash. Taking it to the track is an essential part of learning the limits of your car and developing driving skills, but the track can be a very dangerous place for drivers and spectators alike.
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