Seven people were killed last Sunday (21) and 21 injured after a race car ploughed into spectators at a motorsport event at the Fox Hill Supercross race in Diyatalawa. This is not the first time deaths have occurred in motor sports. It may be, however, the largest single loss of spectators in a Sri Lankan motor sport event, to-date.

The deaths, and the manner in which the tragedy took place, has raised many questions about the event organising and the safety measures which were taken or not taken. The Police, likely spurred by the public outcry regarding the deaths, have moved to arrest two drivers involved in the incident. However, while what rules governed the motor sporting event remains unexplained by the organisers, palming off the blame game on two drivers alone will not bring justice nor change the practise which led to the tragedy.

While much has been said about the victims, the tone deaf silence from the national sporting authorities, including the ministry regarding the tragedy, is emblematic of Sri Lankan governance style, which often promotes burying your head in the sand, no pun intended, until the cloud of responsibility settles on another stakeholder. Further, we are yet to hear an apology or a message of condolence from the organisers.  The Sri Lanka Army, however, issued a statement expressing their condolences to the families of the dead and injured.

The organisers, the Sri Lanka Army–via Sri Lanka Military Academy, and Sri Lanka Automobile Sports Association who are yet to formally face the press collectively, must explain three critical questions. Firstly, why was the track left un wetted–causing large dust clouds behind the speeding race leaders and potentially visually handicapping those giving case? From the live broadcast of the races, it was clear that many races were held under high risk conditions due to the dust clouds which took a while to settle. Given the speeds at which the races occur and the complexity of the track, losing perception of depth, corners and closing speed significantly could increase risks to all parties involved.   

Secondly, as many spectators and some of the racers have questioned, why did the race officials fail to stop the race after the first collision of two vehicles, one of which had begun to roll back into the track. Were the racing vehicles not flagged off with flags and warning lights, effectively? Was there no, in vehicle communication with the race coordinators to inform the drivers of what was transpiring ahead?

Thirdly, the Fox Hill Supercross race, which commenced after a hiatus of several years, drew a large group of spectators. However, going by the visuals of the crash, it is clear that crowd management was poorly carried out. There have been questions raised about the lack of safety features at the event. Observers have questioned a lack of used-tire barriers, and sandbag barriers, both frequently used for safety of spectators and drivers alike in other countries. Why did the organisers opt for an earth mould barrier, which is more rigid and likely provided the angular ramp for the speeding vehicle to launch into the crowd? Also, why were spectators allowed to stay so close to the earth barrier?

Lastly, was there adequate emergency medical services on site during the races?  Did the organisers plan for a possible mass casualty situation at the event? We are in the dark, as authorities are seemingly happy to chalk this tragedy down to being another ‘accident’ and not take responsibility for what transpired.

In many other countries, for such high octane sporting events, there are state guidelines for crowds, accessibility, safety standards to be adhered to with compliance checks, and strict laws on having the event insured, with onsite paramedics. However, the Fox Hill Supercross race of last weekend, points to no such safeguards being available in Sri Lanka. When will that change? How many more tragedies will it take for us to learn from this one?