Policemen are seen at the site of a stampede in Maligawatta of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on May 21, 2020. Three people were killed 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. (Xinhua)
COLOMBO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- 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 organizing the donation drive.
Police said those injured had been rushed to the Colombo National Hospital, and four were in critical condition.
Local media reports said that those killed were elderly women.
An investigation has been launched into the incident.
