Live NewsAnguruwatota Elders’ Home Fire

A total of eleven people have died and three others are missing following a fire that broke out at an elders’ home in Anguruwatota, Horana, police said.

Seven injured residents are currently receiving treatment at the Horana District Hospital, authorities confirmed.

Police said around 51 people were rescued safely from the premises and have since been relocated to a secure location.

The fire erupted on last afternoon (03) at the “Mawpiya Sewana Senehase Kedella” elderly care home, a privately operated facility that also housed individuals with mental health conditions. At the time of the incident, approximately 72 people were inside the building.

Firefighters, with assistance from area residents, brought the blaze under control. However, the fire caused extensive damage to the facility.

According to police, 10 victims died at the scene due to burn injuries, while another died after being admitted to hospital.

A judicial inquiry is scheduled to be conducted this morning, after which authorities will proceed with the removal of the bodies from the site.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. 

Police have deployed three investigative teams to determine how the incident occurred.

A total of 11 individuals have been confirmed dead following a massive fire that broke out at an elders’ home in Anguruwatota, Horana last evening (03). Three other individuals remain unaccounted for, according to police. 

Seven individuals who sustained injuries in the incident were admitted to Horana District Hospital for treatment.

The devastating fire that swept through the elders’ home in Horana leaving several others injured, prompting a major rescue operation and an ongoing police investigation.

Authorities said 72 residents were at the facility when the fire broke out. Police officers, firefighters, emergency responders and local residents rushed to the scene and succeeded in rescuing 44 occupants without injury.

The blaze, which spread rapidly through parts of the care home, was eventually brought under control following an intensive firefighting effort.

Police revealed that 11 residents were initially reported missing in the aftermath of the fire. Search operations conducted within the premises later led to the discovery of several bodies, raising fears that the death toll could increase as investigations continue.

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Investigators are examining the scene to establish how the blaze originated and whether any safety violations contributed to the tragedy.

A magistrate's inquiry is scheduled to be conducted this morning, while a report from the Judicial Medical Officer is expected to provide further details regarding the victims.

Meanwhile, authorities have arranged temporary accommodation for 51 displaced residents at Batagoda Primary School as relief efforts continue.

Horana Police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

A total of 72 elderly persons were staying at the elders’ care home in the Galpatha area of Horana where a massive fire broke out at the premises this evening (03), Ada Dearana reporter said.

Police stated that a total of 11 individuals were reported missing following the blaze, while search operations have already led to the recovery of several charred bodies within the premises.

The fire was brought under control and completely extinguished following intensive efforts by firefighters, the police and area residents who rushed to the scene after receiving information about the incident.

The police and relief teams have successfully rescued 44 people without injuries, while 8 individuals who sustained burn injuries in the fire were admitted to the Horana District Hospital for treatment, Ada Derana reporter said.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and Horana Police are conducting further investigations into the matter.

UPDATE (7.33 p.m.): Sri Lanka Police said that 11 persons have been reported missing, while 44 individuals were rescued and seven have been admitted to hospital after a fire broke out at an elders’ home at Anguruwatota, Horana this evening (03). 

Earlier, it was reported that at least three persons are missing while more than 50 others have been hospitalised after a fire broke out at an elders’ home in the Anguruwatota area in Horana. 

It is reported that 55 persons have been injured and admitted to Galpatha and Horana hospitals with injuries and health complications. 

Police said that three fire trucks and several firefighters are attempting to control the spread of the fire while search and rescue operations are underway to locate the three persons who are unaccounted for. 

However, the remains of several burn victims have been observed inside the elders’ home, according to Ada Derana reporter. But no confirmation has been made by authorities regarding the number of casualties.