Seven monks killed in cable car accident

Seven Buddhist monks were killed in a cable car accident at the Na Uyana Aranya forest monastery in Pansiyagama on Tuesday night. Police said the monks were returning to the hilltop monastery after a religious observance when the cable snapped at around 9 p.m. local time, sending the car crashing down the slope.

Thirteen monks were inside at the time. Seven lost their lives, while six others – all Sri Lankan monks – are being treated for serious injuries at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital. Two monks managed to escape by jumping from the car, sustaining only minor injuries. Authorities have opened an investigation into the incident.