Sri Lanka Care Home Fire Kills 12, Manager Arrested

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Colombo: A fire at an elderly care home in Sri Lanka has killed at least 12 people and injured six others, officials said, with police confirming the arrest of the facility’s manager.

The blaze broke out on Wednesday at the Maupiya Sewana Elders Home in Batagoda, south of Colombo, and quickly spread through the building. Authorities said 71 residents were inside at the time.

Among the victims was a 17-year-old boy, as the facility also housed younger residents with mental health conditions alongside elderly occupants.

Police said 51 residents and staff were rescued and moved to a nearby government facility after the fire was brought under control. Forensic teams are investigating the cause of the blaze, which remains unclear.

A magistrate’s inquiry has also been launched, with officials inspecting the site as part of the ongoing investigation.Care home manager has been arrested.

Pic Credit: AFP