2020 Maligawatta stampede

On 21 May 2020, a stampede occurred near a Muslim Jumma residence in Maligawatta, Colombo-10, amid lockdown and curfew which was imposed in the area due to COVID-19 pandemic in the country.[1][2][3] The incident happened around 1 o'clock in the afternoon while charity donation program was conducted to distribute money for the Maligawatta area residents on the eve of Ramadan.[4]

2020 Maligawatta stampede
Date21 May 2020 (2020-05-21)
Time1:00 p.m.
LocationMaligawatta, Sri Lanka
Causestampede occurred during a charity program
Deaths3
Non-fatal injuries9

Incident

Nearly 300-400 people were reported to have gathered in a queue during a private charity donation program conducted by popular businessman Zarook Hajiyar based from Dehiwala with the purpose of distributing money at least Rs. 5000 per person for the area residents especially to the poor people.[5][6] Around three women died due to the stampede and it was revealed that the massacre happened due to the panic situation and careless behaviour among women.[7][8] 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 the Colombo National Hospital.

Six suspects who were involved in relief distribution have been arrested mainly for conducting such an event amid coronavirus and for not maintaining proper hygienic measures, ignoring the ban on public gatherings.[9]

References
  1. "3 dead and 9 injured in a stampede in Maligawatte; 6 arrested". Sri Lanka News - Newsfirst. 2020-05-21. Retrieved 2020-05-21.
  2. "hree females died while nine others injured in a stampede in Maligawatte | Asian Tribune". www.asiantribune.com. Retrieved 2020-05-21.
  3. Rizwie, Rukshana. "3 dead in a stampede in Maligawatta during aid distribution". Daily News. Retrieved 2020-05-21.
  4. "Breaking : 3 dead in a stampede in Maligawatta". NewsWire. 2020-05-21. Retrieved 2020-05-21.
  5. "Leading businessman arrested in stampede deaths – Police". EconomyNext. 2020-05-21. Retrieved 2020-05-21.
  6. "Three killed, eight injured in stampede during coronavirus aid distribution in Sri Lanka". WION. Retrieved 2020-05-21.
  7. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-05/21/c_139076050.htm
  8. "நிவாரணம் பெறுவதற்காக கூடிய மக்கள் கூட்டம்..! நொிசலில் சிக்கி 3 பெண்கள் பலி, 4 பேர் காயம், 6 பேர் கைது.. | Jaffna Breaking News 24x7". Jaffnazone.com (in Tamil). Retrieved 2020-05-21.
  9. "Three dead in a stampede in Maligawatte during a relief distribution by private individuals (Video)". Hiru News. Retrieved 2020-05-21.
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