A devastating fire at a factory in the Katuwana Industrial Zone in Homagama claimed the lives of five people on Monday morning, while another person was hospitalized with injuries, according to Sri Lankan authorities.
Officials said the fire broke out at approximately 9:45 a.m. in a three-storey factory building. Emergency response teams, including firefighters from the Kotte Fire Brigade, were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident was reported.
The Chief Fire Officer of the Kotte Fire Brigade said initial information indicated that three people had become trapped inside the burning building. However, after firefighters managed to gain access and conduct a detailed search, five victims were found inside the premises.
Authorities stated that three of the victims were burned so severely that they could not be immediately identified. The condition of the remaining victims has not yet been officially disclosed.
Firefighters explained that the intense flames and heavy smoke made rescue operations particularly challenging during the early stages of the incident. The rapid spread of the fire prevented emergency crews from reaching the area where those trapped were located until the blaze had been brought under greater control.
A total of six firefighting units were deployed to contain the fire. After several hours of operations, officials confirmed that the blaze had been fully extinguished.
In addition to the fatalities, one injured woman was admitted to hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have not released details regarding the severity of her injuries.
Police and fire investigators have launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the fire. Officials are expected to examine the factory premises and gather evidence as part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragedy has drawn attention to workplace fire safety and emergency preparedness as investigators continue their efforts to establish how the fire started.
