Seven Killed in Tragic Car Racing Accident at Fox Hill Super Cross 2024 in Sri Lanka

A devastating car racing accident at the Fox Hill Super Cross 2024 event in Diyatalawa, Sri Lanka on Sunday, April 21, 2024, has claimed the lives of seven people and injured over 20 others. The tragic incident occurred when a racing car veered off the track and crashed into a group of spectators, including an 8-year-old girl and four event officials.

The 28th edition of the Fox Hill Super Cross, organized by the Sri Lanka Military Academy and the Sri Lanka Automobile Sports (SLAS), was immediately suspended following the accident. Between 50,000 and 100,000 fans were in attendance at the event, which was being held for the first time since its cancellation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Video footage from the scene shows track marshals attempting to warn other drivers to slow down after a separate car accident had occurred. It was during this time that the fatal crash took place, with the out-of-control car striking the unprotected crowd. Three of the injured remain in critical condition, while the others continue to receive treatment in the hospital.

Why this matters: The Fox Hill Super Cross tragedy highlights the importance of ensuring adequate safety measures and crowd control at high-speed motorsport events. The incident raises questions about the responsibility of event organizers in protecting both participants and spectators, and may lead to a reevaluation of safety protocols at similar events in the future.

The Sri Lanka Army has appointed a seven-member panel, led by a Major General, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and analyze the available video and photographic evidence. The two drivers involved in the fatal crash have been arrested and remanded in custody by the Bandarawela Magistrate's Court until April 30.

The Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers and Riders (SLARDAR) has condemned the arrests, arguing that the responsibility for the accident lies with the event organizers. "The racers cannot immediately slow down upon seeing a yellow flag, and the accident was a result of the public moving onto the tracks, not because of a car going off the track," stated SLARDAR spokesperson Sajaad Zuhair.

The Sri Lanka Army, co-organizer of the event, has stated that the gathering failed to heed their warnings to stay clear of the security barricades along the track. The Army had announced free admission to the event to promote motorsports, as it was being held for the first time in five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Sri Lanka's economic crisis.

The Diyatalawa Police are conducting further investigations into the incident, while the Sri Lanka Army's investigative panel is tasked with determining the causes of the accident, identifying responsible parties, assessing the safety measures taken, and providing recommendations to prevent such tragedies in the future. The panel's findings will be submitted to the Army Commander. The SLAS and the Army have pledged to bear the expenses of the funerals and provide compensation to the families of the deceased and injured.

Key Takeaways

• 7 killed, 20+ injured in car racing accident at Fox Hill Super Cross 2024 in Sri Lanka
• Accident occurred when race car crashed into spectators, including 8-year-old and event officials
• Organizers, Sri Lanka Army, and racing association blame each other for lack of safety measures
• 2 drivers arrested, 7-member panel appointed to investigate causes and safety lapses
• Organizers to cover funeral expenses and provide compensation to victims' families