 | |
| Date | 21 May 2020 (2020-05-21) |
|---|---|
| Time | 1:00pm |
| Location | Maligawatta,Sri Lanka |
| Coordinates | 6°56′14″N79°52′19″E / 6.93722°N 79.87194°E /6.93722; 79.87194 |
| Cause | stampede occurred during a charity program |
| Deaths | 3 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 9 |
TheMaligawatta stampede was a fatal incident which occurred on 21 May 2020, near a Muslim Jumma residence inMaligawatta,Colombo-10, amid lockdown and curfew which was imposed in the area due to theCOVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka.[1][2][3] The incident happened around 1:00pm while charity donation program was conducted to distribute money for the Maligawatta area residents on the eve ofRamadan.[4][5]
Nearly 300-400 people were reported to have gathered in a queue during a private charity donation program conducted by businessman Zarook Hajiyar based inDehiwala with the purpose of distributing money at leastRs. 5000 per person for the area residents, especially to the poor.[6][7] Around three women were killed due to thestampede and it was revealed that it happened due to the panic situation and careless behaviour among women.[8][9] Nine people were severely injured including seven women and four women who were injured in the stampede have been reported to be in critical condition after being admitted to theColombo National Hospital.[10]
Six suspects who were involved in relief distribution were arrested mainly for conducting such an event amid coronavirus and for not maintaining proper hygienic measures, ignoring the ban on public gatherings.[11] Suspects related to the incident were remanded until 4 June.[12]