Police say 72 elderly residents were staying at an elderly care home in Galpatha, Horana when a fire broke out yesterday evening (03), triggering a major rescue and search operation.
According to police reports, 11 individuals remain missing following the incident, while search operations conducted within the premises have so far led to the recovery of nine charred bodies.
Firefighters, police officers, and local residents responded to the incident soon after receiving information about the blaze and worked extensively to bring the fire under control.
Authorities stated that 44 residents were rescued without injuries, while eight individuals who sustained burn injuries have been admitted to the Horana Base Hospital for treatment.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigations are continuing.
Police and emergency teams remain engaged in search and recovery operations as efforts continue to account for all residents who were present at the facility at the time of the incident.
Horana Police are conducting further investigations into the tragedy.
