12 killed in Sri Lanka elderly care home fire

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

The blaze erupted on Wednesday evening at the Mawpiya Sevana Elderly Care Home in Anguruwatota, around 65 kilometres southeast of Colombo. Police said 10 residents died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

Following the tragedy, police arrested the owner of the privately operated care home as investigations into the incident continued. More than 70 elderly residents were reportedly staying at the facility when the fire broke out.

Authorities said 51 residents were rescued and shifted to temporary accommodation at a nearby school. Seven injured survivors remain under medical treatment.

Officials described the incident as one of the deadliest fire-related disasters in recent years in Sri Lanka. While initial reports suggested a possible gas cylinder explosion, investigators said the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

A magisterial inquiry has been conducted, and police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.