Seven Buddhist Monks Killed in Sri Lanka Cable Car Tragedy

Tragic Cable Car Accident Claims Lives of Seven Monks

A devastating cable car accident in Sri Lanka has resulted in the deaths of seven Buddhist monks, with several others seriously injured. The tragedy occurred near the Na Uyana Aranya monastery in central Sri Lanka when the cable pulling their rail-mounted cabin up a steep mountainside snapped.

Details of the Incident

The accident happened on Wednesday evening local time as thirteen monks were returning to their monastery following religious ceremonies. According to the Daily Mirror, five monks managed to jump to safety before the cabin plunged down the mountainside. Among the deceased were three foreign nationals: one Romanian, one Russian, and one Indian citizen.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Emergency services rushed to the scene following the accident, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the cable failure. "This is a profound tragedy for our religious community and the nation," said a local official who requested anonymity.

Safety Concerns in Mountain Monasteries

The incident highlights the transportation challenges faced by monasteries located in remote mountainous regions. Similar cable systems are used throughout Sri Lanka's hill country to access remote religious sites. This accident follows other cable car incidents globally, including the 2022 Trikut Hill accident in India that killed three people.

Safety experts have called for regular inspections of such transportation systems, particularly those serving religious communities in difficult terrain. The Na Uyana monastery, established in the 1960s, is known for its meditation retreats and attracts practitioners from around the world.