A devastating fire broke out at a nursing home in western Sri Lanka, killing at least 12 people and injuring seven others, Sri Lankan police said on Thursday.The fire broke out at around 5.30pm on Wednesday at the Maubia Sivana Nursing Home in Anguruwatota, about 65 kilometers southeast of Colombo in Kalutara district.
More than 70 seniors were at the privately run facility when the fire broke out.Police said 10 were found dead at the scene, while two others later died of their injuries in hospital. A total of 51 residents were rescued and moved to temporary accommodation at a nearby school. The injured are still under treatment.Footage from the scene showed the building sustaining severe damage, with charred furniture and equipment scattered throughout the building.
Firefighters, police officers and local residents worked together to control the fire and evacuate survivors.The authorities arrested the homeowner and his manager on suspicion of causing deaths due to negligence. A judicial investigation has also been conducted as investigators continue to examine the causes of the fire.Initial reports indicated that a gas cylinder explosion may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, but police said the exact cause had not yet been determined.
