Investigation Begins into Deadly Elderly Home Fire; Death Toll Rises To 10

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Authorities have begun a detailed on-site investigation into the devastating fire that broke out at the elderly care home in Batagoda, Aguruwatota, as the tragedy continues to unfold with a rising death toll.

Police confirmed that the Government Analyst and the Horana Magistrate visited the site as part of the official inquiry, in an effort to determine the cause of the deadly blaze.

The fire, which erupted yesterday (3) evening, saw 51 residents rescued from the facility in a dramatic operation. However, the tragedy quickly deepened as officials reported the discovery of nine bodies at the scene, according to Police Media Spokesman SSP F.U. Wootler.

Hospital sources later confirmed that one of the eight injured victims, who had been receiving treatment at the Horana Hospital, succumbed to injuries early this morning, bringing the confirmed death toll to ten.

At the time of the incident, a total of 71 individuals were residing at the elderly home.

Police stated that those rescued from the facility have been temporarily housed at Batagoda School, where emergency arrangements were made to accommodate them.

Plans are now underway to relocate them to a more secure and suitable location to ensure their safety and well-being.

Despite the ongoing investigations, the cause of the fire remains unknown.