Another Tourist Gets Severely Injured While Taking Photos During Train Travel In Sri Lanka After Slamming Into Tunnel Wall

An unidentified 35-year-old woman, a native of China, slammed into a tunnel wall while engrossed in clicking photos during her train travel in Sri Lanka. She was leaning on the train's door and recording visuals on her vacation when her photo craze took a dangerous turn. She hit the tunnel wall and fell on the tracks due to her risky act.

The incident occurred on March 9 on the railway line between Nanu Oya and Badulla. The woman was leaning out of the moving train near the 19th railway tunnel in Idalgashinna, unaware of the approaching tunnel. The Chinese tourist suffered severe injuries after the tragic accident. According to reports, the the incident left her in a critical state, with head and leg injuries.

Sri Lanka train visuals

Rushed to hospital

She was given emergency support as responders rushed her to the Haputale Regional Hospital before transferring her to Diyatalawa Base Hospital and later to Badulla Teaching Hospital for specialised treatment.

Authorities respond to accident

In response to the accident, Sri Lankan authorities have reiterated safety guidelines, urging travellers to avoid leaning out of train doors. The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka also issued an advisory on March 10, warning tourists to exercise caution and avoid taking unnecessary risks while travelling.

Krish, a former secretary of the Sri Lanka Tourist Drivers’ Association, was quoted in a news report by Dimsum Daily: "Such actions pose significant risks and have led to numerous injuries and fatalities in recent years". "Stay away from train doors and do not lean out of train for photos", the Embassy, meanwhile, stated.

Similar case

Notably, the incident comes just months after another Chinese tourist fell victim to a similar mishap while attempting to capture scenic views during a train journey. The previous case was reported in December when a female tourist was making reels by leaning outside and holding her hands at the handrails of the train's door. She fell off the train in Colombo while crossing the coastline between Wellawatte and Bambalapitiya. She miraculously survived.

These incidents highlight the growing trend of risky photography among tourists.