The Deputy Minister of Labour has instructed ministry officials to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the fire that occurred in a factory at Katuwana, Homagama, which claimed the lives of five individuals.

The Deputy Minister has further directed officials to submit a detailed report on the incident without delay, according to the Ministry of Labour.

Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.

The Deputy Minister has instructed that the investigation comprehensively examine the cause and origin of the fire, the factory’s compliance with occupational safety and fire protection standards, the adequacy of safety facilities provided for employees, and the availability and effectiveness of emergency evacuation procedures.

He has also directed Commissioner General of Labour, Nadika Wataliyadda to investigate whether the factory had complied with the provisions of the Factories Ordinance and other relevant occupational safety regulations, and to determine whether any acts of negligence or failures in responsibility contributed to the incident, the Ministry said.

In addition, Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe has instructed the Department of Labour to intensify inspections of workplaces involving hazardous and high-risk occupations, with particular attention to ensuring the occupational safety and health of workers and strengthening preventive measures against similar incidents in the future.

Five individuals have died after a fire broke out at a helmet manufacturing factory located in the Katuwana Industrial Zone in Homagama earlier today (21), according to the Homagama Police.

The fire has been brought under control, while rescue operations are continuing to determine whether any individuals remain trapped inside the building.

At the time of the incident, more than 80 employees were reportedly inside the factory, and search operations are underway to establish whether any of them are still trapped.

So far, five bodies have been recovered from the factory, which was engulfed in flames, police said.