12 dead in Sri Lanka fire at unregistered elder care home

Twelve people died and eight were injured in a fire that broke out late last night at an unregistered elderly care home in Anguruvathota, Sri Lanka. Police reported that 51 residents were rescued from the facility, which also housed individuals with mental health conditions.

The director of the home has been arrested on suspicion of negligence leading to death. According to the director of the National Secretariat for the Elderly, the facility was not registered as an elderly care home and had previously been warned to comply with regulations. He also stated that the home was overcrowded, with beds for approximately 15 people but housing 71 individuals.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the fire and the operation of the unregistered facility. The incident highlights concerns about the oversight and regulation of care homes for vulnerable populations in the region.