Committee Appointed To Probe Into Explosion At Nephrology Hospital In Polonnaruwa

COLOMBO (News 1st) - An internal investigation committee has been appointed to probe the explosion that occurred in the hospital kitchen premises of the National Nephrology Hospital in Polonnaruwa yesterday. 

The director of the Hospital said the five-member committee has already commenced its investigation.

Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa also said a ministry-level investigation has been launched into the incident.

Two police teams have also been assigned to investigate the explosion, while the Government Analyst’s Department has commenced its own investigation.

One hospital employee who sustained serious injuries in the explosion has died, while six others were injured.

The deceased was a 36-year-old resident of Habarana.

The injured have been admitted to the Polonnaruwa Teaching Hospital for treatment.

A hospital spokesperson said one of the injured remains in critical condition.

Several patients who were receiving residential treatment at the hospital were also transferred to the Polonnaruwa General Hospital.

Police said the explosion was caused by a gas leak.

The explosion occurred at around 4 a.m. yesterday in the kitchen premises of the National Nephrology Hospital in Polonnaruwa.

The blast caused extensive damage to the hospital's main kitchen and several surrounding buildings.