Seven monks killed in railway track trolley tragedy at Na Uyana monastery in Sri Lanka

The death toll from a railway track trolley (Dakkuwa) accident at the Na Uyana Monastery (Nā Uyana Āranya Senāsanaya) in Pansiyagama, Melsiripura, Sri Lanka, has risen to seven Buddhist monks, hospital sources confirmed today, Report informs referring to the Daily Mirror.

Among the deceased, at least two are foreign nationals. Their bodies have been taken to the Gokarella District Hospital, while the bodies of other monks are at Kurunegala Teaching Hospital.

The accident occurred around 9:00 pm yesterday (GMT+5:30) as 13 monks were returning to the monastery after performing religious rituals at the sacred site.

Two monks escaped with minor injuries by jumping from the trolley, while four others remain hospitalized with serious injuries.

Police said three of the deceased monks were foreign nationals from Romania, Russia, and India.

Authorities suspect that the accident happened when a support wire on the trolley, which was carrying the monks to the mountain peak, broke. Pansiyagama Police are continuing investigations into the incident.