7 dead, 20 injured after car veers off race track in Sri Lanka

Thousands of spectators looked on as the mishap took place during the Fox Hill Supercross motor racing event in the town of Diyatalawa, about 180km (110 miles) east of the capital Colombo.

It was not immediately clear what caused the mishap.

Police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa said one of the cars veered off the track and crashed into spectators and officials of the event. Seven people, including four officials, were killed and another 20 were being treated at a hospital, said Thalduwa. He said three of the injured were in critical condition.

Thalduwa said police have launched an investigation into the accident, which was the 17th out of 24 events scheduled. The race was suspended after the accident.

About 45,000 spectators had gathered at the race circuit at a Sri Lankan military academy. The event was organised by the Sri Lankan army and Sri Lanka Automobile Sports.