GALPATHA, Sri Lanka (AP) — A devastating blaze at an unlicensed care facility for individuals with mental health conditions in western Sri Lanka has claimed its 13th victim, officials confirmed Friday, as another injured person died from burns sustained in the fire.
The charred remains of the facility in Anguruwatota, located approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) southeast of Colombo, now stand empty with scattered eyeglass cases, medications, and reclining chairs among the debris. Survivors from the facility have been relocated to another care home in the area.
Law enforcement reports indicate 71 individuals with mental health conditions were housed at the facility when the fire broke out. Emergency responders, local residents, and firefighters managed to save 50 people, while seven required hospital treatment.
A police official from the Anguruwatota station, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak with media, confirmed Friday’s additional fatality from burn injuries.
Authorities have detained the facility’s director on charges related to causing deaths through negligent conduct. The individual appeared in court Thursday and received a week-long detention order while investigators continue their work.
Dhanuja Chathuranga, a 32-year-old staff member at the facility, told the Associated Press that investigators believe an electrical malfunction in wiring connected to a water pump sparked the blaze.
“The flames first ignited a stack of mattresses and pillows before rapidly engulfing the entire building,” he explained, noting that while staff rescued most residents, 10 individuals perished in the fire and three additional victims later died at the hospital.
Video footage from the Associated Press revealed the completely destroyed structure with burned furniture and equipment visible throughout. Television broadcasts showed emergency personnel, law enforcement, and community members battling the intense flames, while police and military officials transported survivors via bus to secure locations.
Chathura Mihudum, who heads the National Secretariat for Elders, confirmed the facility operated without proper registration as a nursing home despite receiving previous warnings about compliance with regulations.
The facility was severely overcrowded, housing 71 individuals in a space designed with sleeping arrangements for only 15 people, he noted.
Government inspectors had previously conducted visits to the institution and directed management to comply with legal requirements, though he did not provide additional specifics.
