Two children aged three (boy) and five (girl), from the same family died after inhaling smoke from a fire that broke out inside a hotel room in Batticaloa on Wednesday (27).‎The children had travelled from Badulla to Batticaloa with their father to visit mother, who is currently receiving residential treatment at the Batticaloa Hospital due to cancer.‎Hotel staff and nearby residents have noticed heavy smoke emerging from the room and broke open the door before rushing inside.

‎The children were found unconscious under a bed due to heavy smoke inhalation and were rushed to hospital. However, they had reportedly died before admission.‎Police said further investigations are underway.