Tragedy at Mihintale: Falling Bo Tree Kills Pilgrim, Injures Child
MIHINTALE, SRI LANKA – A devastating accident occurred at the sacred Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya yesterday (October 27th) when a massive Bodhi tree (Bo tree) on the upper terrace, near the Sela Chethiya, suddenly collapsed due to strong winds, resulting in one fatality and an injury to a young child.
Police confirmed that the deceased is a 45-year-old male pilgrim from the Wariyapola area who had come to worship at the historic site. A small child was also injured in the incident.
According to reports from the scene, the Bodhi tree—known as the Ambasthala Bodhi—was uprooted by the severe wind conditions. The tree reportedly broke into two large sections mid-trunk and fell across a large area in two different directions.
The deceased was trapped under one of the fallen branches. He was rescued after a major effort and rushed to the Mihintale Government Hospital, but was pronounced dead upon admission.
The injured is a nine-year-old girl. She was reportedly near the tree at the time of the collapse. Sources report that an official on duty at the Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya was able to narrowly save the girl from serious harm as the tree fell.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident, which has sent shockwaves through the local community and among Buddhist devotees across the country.
