A devastating fire at an unregistered nursing home in Sri Lanka has claimed the lives of 13 elderly residents, leaving the facility in ruins. The incident occurred overnight in Anguruwatota, a town located about 50 kilometers southeast of Colombo, the capital.
Details of the Tragedy
According to police officials, the fire broke out late Wednesday night and quickly engulfed the single-story building. Emergency services arrived at the scene but were unable to rescue many of the residents due to the intensity of the flames. By the time the fire was extinguished, 13 bodies had been recovered from the charred remains.
An officer at the scene described the building as completely destroyed, with only the walls still standing. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but initial reports suggest it may have been sparked by an electrical fault.
Unregistered Facility
The nursing home was reportedly operating without proper registration or licenses. Authorities have expressed concern over the lack of oversight, which may have contributed to inadequate safety measures. This tragedy highlights the risks faced by vulnerable elderly populations in unregulated care facilities.
Local residents reported hearing screams and seeing flames shooting from the building. Firefighters struggled to contain the blaze due to narrow access roads and a lack of nearby hydrants. Survivors are being treated for injuries at nearby hospitals.
Government Response
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has ordered a full investigation into the incident. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. The government is also reviewing regulations for elderly care homes across the country to prevent future tragedies.
This incident comes amid growing concerns about the quality and safety of care for Sri Lanka's aging population. Advocacy groups are calling for stricter enforcement of licensing requirements and regular inspections.
