A devastating fire at an elderly care home in western Sri Lanka has killed at least 12 residents and left seven others injured, police said on Thursday.
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The blaze broke out at around 5.30pm on Wednesday at the Mawpiya Sevana Elderly Care Home in Anguruwatota, about 65 kilometres southeast of Colombo in Kalutara district. More than 70 elderly residents were at the privately run facility when the fire started.
Police said 10 people were found dead at the scene, while two others later died from their injuries in hospital. A total of 51 residents were rescued and moved to temporary accommodation at a nearby school. The injured remain under treatment.
Footage from the scene showed the building extensively damaged, with charred furniture and equipment scattered throughout the premises. Firefighters, police officers and local residents worked together to bring the flames under control and evacuate survivors.
Authorities have arrested the home's owner and director on suspicion of causing deaths through negligence. A magisterial inquiry has also been conducted as investigators continue to examine the cause of the fire.
Initial reports suggested a gas cylinder explosion may have contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze, but police said the exact cause has not yet been established.
