Chinese tourist critically injured after leaning out of Sri Lanka train for photos

A Chinese tourist who reportedly leaned out of a moving train in Sri Lanka for photos suffered severe injuries after her head hit a tunnel wall, causing her to fall.

According to South China Morning Post and other Chinese news outlets, the 35-year-old woman, who was not named, was travelling from Nanu Oya to Badulla on March 9 when the incident happened.

She was taken to Haputale Regional Hospital for emergency treatment, before being transferred to two other hospitals for special care.

She is reportedly still in critical condition.

An advisory published on the website of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka on March 10 urged tourists travelling by train to stay away from the doors and avoid leaning out of the carriage for their safety.

It added that as Sri Lankan trains travel on tracks and pass through intersections without guard rails, people should not linger around for photos to avoid accidents.

In February, a Russian tourist died after leaning out of a train carriage in Sri Lanka to pose for photos.

Ms Olga Perminova was riding the Podi Menike train, which covers a 300km scenic route between Colombo Fort and Badulla. Local police said she knocked against a rock, fell off the train and suffered severe injuries.

Join STs Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.