Sri Lanka Police stated that the five individuals who died in the fire that broke out at a helmet manufacturing factory in the Katuwana Industrial Zone in Homagama had sustained severe burn injuries.
The Incident Officer of the Kotte Fire Department, who was the first firefighter to arrive at the scene, said the fire broke out at around 9:45 a.m. today (21) and subsequently spread throughout the three-storey building.
Although initial reports indicated that three individuals had been trapped in the blaze, the Chief Commanding Officer told Ada Derana that two more victims, who had sustained fatal burn injuries, were later discovered during search operations, bringing the death toll to five.
The officer further stated that three of the victims had been burned beyond recognition.
He added that the rapid spread of the fire made it difficult for firefighters to reach the areas where the victims were trapped.
Six fire engines were deployed to contain the blaze, and the Homagama Police confirmed that the fire has now been completely extinguished.
Meanwhile, a woman who sustained injuries in the fire has been admitted to hospital.
Police said investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the fire.
