12 killed in fire at elderly care home in Sri Lanka; owner arrested

At least 12 people were killed and seven others injured after a fire broke out at an elderly care home in Sri Lanka, police said on Thursday.

The blaze erupted at around 5:30 pm on Wednesday at the Mawpiya Sevana Elderly Care Home in Anguruwatota, about 65 km southeast of Colombo, in Kalutara district. Police said 10 residents were found dead at the premises, while two succumbed to injuries after being admitted to the Horana Base Hospital. The owner of the privately run care home was arrested on Thursday as investigations into the incident continued, police said.

More than 70 elderly residents were at the facility when the fire broke out. According to police, it was the “worst” incident involving fatalities from a fire in recent times on the island.

A total of 51 residents were rescued and have been provided with temporary accommodation at a nearby school.