More details have emerged following the devastating factory fire at the Katuwana Industrial Estate in Homagama that claimed five lives on Tuesday (21).
According to the Chief Fire Officer of the Kotte Fire Brigade, the fire broke out at around 9.45 a.m. and spread rapidly through a three-storey factory building.
Firefighters initially believed that three people had been trapped inside the building. However, subsequent search operations led to the discovery of five bodies, with three of the victims reportedly burnt beyond recognition.
The Chief Fire Officer said rescue teams were unable to immediately reach those trapped inside because the flames had spread extensively throughout the building.
Six fire engines were deployed to the scene, and the blaze has since been brought under control, according to Homagama Police.
A woman who sustained injuries in the incident was admitted to hospital for treatment.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe visited the site and noted that the emergency response had relied on fire brigade units from the Dehiwala, Horana and Kotte Municipal Councils.
He also raised concerns over the absence of a dedicated fire brigade in Homagama despite the area’s large concentration of industrial facilities, highlighting the need to strengthen emergency response capacity in one of the country’s major industrial zones.
Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.