COLOMBO: A fire at a nursing home in western Sri Lanka killed 12 residents and injured eight others, police said Thursday.
The fire started late Wednesday at the home in Anguruwatota town. Fifty-one residents were rescued, police spokesman Fredrick Wootler said. He said people with mental illnesses were also housed there.
The director of the home was arrested on suspicion of causing deaths through negligence. An investigation is underway.
Associated Press footage showed the building gutted with its charred furniture and equipment. Bodies lay nearby.
Local television channel Hiru showed image of firefighters, police and residents trying to contain the raging fire. Those rescued were assisted by police and soldiers in boarding buses to a safe location.