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.