"A Chinese tourist has been left in critical condition after she struck a tunnel wall while leaning out of a moving train in Sri Lanka to take photos,
“A Chinese tourist has been left in critical condition after she struck a tunnel wall while leaning out of a moving train in Sri Lanka to take photos, according to reports from the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The 35-year-old woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, suffered severe injuries to her head and legs during the incident on March 9. She was travelling on the scenic railway route from Nanu Oya to Badulla when she allegedly extended her upper body outside the train. Upon impact, she reportedly lost her balance and fell.
Emergency responders transported her first to Haputale Regional Hospital before she was transferred to two other medical facilities for urgent treatment.
Following the incident, the Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka issued a travel advisory on March 10, cautioning visitors against leaning out of trains for photos and reminding them to exercise caution near railway tracks.
The trend of taking dramatic photos from Sri Lanka’s picturesque trains has gained popularity on Chinese social media, despite repeated warnings from authorities.
This is not the first such accident. In December 2024, a Chinese tourist sustained minor injuries after being struck by tree branches while leaning out of a moving train. More recently, in February 2025, a 53-year-old Russian traveller died after falling from a train under similar circumstances.
Local tour guides have urged visitors to avoid dangerous behaviour and instead opt for slower trains, such as the Calypso service, which is specifically designed to allow tourists to safely enjoy the views.”
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