A devastating cable car accident in northwestern Sri Lanka has claimed the lives of seven Buddhist monks, including three foreigners. According to Barron`s reporting on a police statement, the incident occurred when an overcrowded car broke loose and fell down the mountainside.
It is reported that on Wednesday evening, the monks were traveling to meditation spots at the summit of a large Buddhist monastery known as Na Uyana.
“There were 13 monks in the car. Two managed to escape with minor injuries, while four others are in critical condition,” a police representative stated.
Among the deceased are monks from India, Russia, and Romania.
Initial reports indicate that after the cable snapped, the car rapidly descended the slope, derailed, and crashed into a tree.
The monastery where the incident occurred is located approximately 130 kilometers northeast of Colombo.