More details have emerged in the factory fire at the Katuwana Industrial Estate in Homagama that claimed five lives on Tuesday (21).
The fire erupted at around 9.45 a.m. and spread rapidly through a three-storey factory building, according to the Chief Fire Officer of the Kotte Fire Brigade.
According to reports, firefighters initially believed three people had been trapped in the blaze. However, search operations later uncovered the bodies of five victims, three of whom were burnt beyond recognition.
The Chief Fire Officer said firefighters were unable to immediately reach the victims as the blaze had spread extensively through the building.
Six fire engines were deployed to the scene, and the fire has since been brought under control, Homagama Police said.
A woman injured in the incident has been admitted to hospital.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, who visited the scene, observed that the factory had been serviced by fire brigade units in Dehiwala, Horana and Kotte Municipal Councils, and raised concerns over the absence of a dedicated fire brigade in Homagama, despite the area being home to a large number of industries.
Police are continuing investigations to determine the cause of the fire. (Newswire)