– At least eleven persons are reported missing and nearly 50 others have been hospitalized after a fire broke out at an elderly care home in the Batagoda area of Horana today, police said.The police said rescue operations were continuing as authorities searched for those believed to be trapped inside the building.

The fire erupted at the Mawpiya Sevana Elderly Care Home, where around 50 male and female residents were staying at the time of the incident.According to police, approximately 45 residents were safely evacuated and moved to secure locations, while several others are believed to have remained inside the premises when the blaze spread.Nearly 50 individuals who sustained burn injuries were admitted to the Galpatha District Hospital and the Horana Base Hospital for treatment.

Firefighters from the Horana Municipal Council, assisted by police, rescue personnel and local residents, were engaged in efforts to bring the fire under control.Police said a gas cylinder inside the elderly care facility exploded during the incident, contributing to the rapid spread of the flames.