3 killed in COVID-19 donation stampede in Sri Lankan capital

Colombo: Three people were killed and nine others injured when a stampede broke out in Maligawatta, in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo on Thursday during a donation drive while the capital remained under a curfew amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Police said.

The stampede broke out when a group of private donors were handing out cash to needy people at a private residence in Jumma Masjid Road.

Police said the donors had defied curfew rules and ignored health regulations and an existing ban on public gatherings. Six people were arrested for organising the donation drive.