Twelve people died in a fire at an unlicensed nursing home in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, law enforcement authorities have arrested the owner of a private nursing home following a tragic fire that claimed the lives of 12 people and left six others injured. 

A preliminary investigation revealed that the facility was operating illegally. During a court hearing, government officials confirmed that the facility did not have the required state license and completely disregarded the minimum safety standards and requirements established by regulators. 

The facility’s owner, identified as Maupia Sevana Isura Anushka, was remanded in custody by court order until at least June 11. Law enforcement is investigating a criminal case regarding gross violations of rules for the care of the elderly and is determining the exact causes of the fire.

According to the investigation, 11 residents of the facility died from life-threatening burns at the scene of the tragedy, and another person died in the hospital from severe injuries. Six victims are currently under medical supervision due to complications caused by acute carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the police’s preliminary version, the epicenter of the fire was in a storage room where dozens of mattresses were kept. During a second inspection of the burned-out building, forensic experts discovered seven more charred bodies, bringing the total number of victims to 12. Among the deceased was a 17-year-old boy, as, in addition to the elderly, the illegal facility also held young people with mental disorders. In total, 51 people (residents and staff) were rescued from the burning building; they were quickly evacuated and temporarily housed in the nearest public school.

This was reported by Euronews.

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