Colombo: At least six people were killed and 13 others injured after a pickup truck driven by an allegedly intoxicated motorist rammed into a queue of revellers, who were celebrating the Buddhist festival Wesak, on the outskirts of Sri Lanka’s capital, police said on Monday.
The accident occurred Sunday night when the vehicle ploughed into people waiting at a roadside food stall set up as part of the annual Wesak celebrations in Meegoda, a suburb of Colombo.
Three men aged between 35 and 38 years and as many females aged between 15 and 56 years died in the accident, police said, adding that 13 others, including an infant, sustained serious injuries and were admitted to the hospital.
Police said the 42-year-old driver fled the scene after the crash but was arrested several miles away. Preliminary investigations found that he had consumed alcohol and was intoxicated while driving.
Wesak, the most important religious festival for Buddhists, commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha. It is observed annually on the first full moon in May.
Across Sri Lanka, devotees organise free food stalls, offering refreshments and meals to the public, drawing large crowds during the celebrations.
Roadside parking and heavy traffic around the temporary stalls often lead to congestion during the festival period.
