Death toll climbs to 11 in Horana elderly home

The death toll from the fire at the Senehase Kedella Maupiya Sewana elderly home in Batagoda, Horana rose to 11. Police officials stated that 7 other individuals receive treatment at the Horana Base Hospital, while rescue teams safely removed 51 people trapped in the blaze. The fire broke out yesterday evening at the care facility, prompting a joint operation by the Horana Municipal Council fire unit, local police, and area residents to extinguish the flames.

A total of 69 individuals resided at the elderly home when the incident occurred. Reports indicated a majority of the residents suffered from mental disorders. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, with government analysts scheduled to visit the site today to conduct further investigations.