Fire breaks out at army ammunition depot at Salawa

5 June 2016 06:17 pm - 27 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A major fire broke out at the ammunition dump of the Sri Lanka Army Camp at Salawa, Kosgama a short while ago, army said.

Following the explosion, the Colombo-Avissawella main road in front of the camp has been closed. Steps have been taken to evacuate the area people.

Pix by Nihal Wettasinghe

Pix by Bimal Shaman Jayasinghe

22.50

One dead, two injured in fire

A soldier was reported as dead following the fire broke out in Salawa this evening and two others were admitted to the Homagama and Avissawella hospitals with injuries.

21.59

Sagala orders CID to investigate Salawa Army Camp explosion

Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake had ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct an investigation on the fire that broke out at the Salawa Army Camp this evening.

Sources from the ministry told Daily Mirror that the minister had ordered the CID to initiate investigations no sooner they arrive at the location.

Meanwhile, the army is also expected to carry out an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.

21.49

Power shutdown in Kosgama

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) had shutdown the Kosgama Power station resulting in a blackout in the Awissawella area.

CEB Chairman Anura Wijepala said the decision was taken as a precaution due to the fire and said the power station at Seethawaka would also be shutdown if a requirement arises.

21.42

Army Chief to decide on return of evacuees in two hours

Army Commander Chrishantha de Silva said a short while ago that they would decide in two hours time when it will be safe for the evacuated residents to return to their homes.

He said that army protection would be provided to the houses till the residents return.

21.31

First injured in fire admitted to hospital

The first injured from the Salawa Army Camp's ammunition depot fire had been admitted to the Awissawella Hospital a short while ago, sources said.

The person had sustained injuries to the head from a piece of metal. Health Director General Palitha Mahipala said the injured had been transferred to Kandy Hospital.

21.14

Schools and government institutions closed in Kosgama area

All schools and government institutions in Kosgama area will be closed tomorrow because of the major fire that broke out in Army Camp's ammunition depot in Salawa.

21.00

Explosion at camp reducing – Army officials

The major fire broke out at Salawa Army Camp's ammunition depot and the sounds of explosions have reduced, army officials said.

They said the fire brigade vehicles are approaching the location of the fire.

20.50

Army camp fire; No casualties so far

No casualties had been reported so far in the fire broke out at the ammunition depot of the Salawa Army Camp at Kosgama, Hospital sources said.

They said no injured were admitted to the Awissawella Hospital, Colombo South Teaching Hospital or to the National Hospital-Colombo so far.

However, ambulances of the Awissawella Hospital had been deployed to the location already, they said.

Meanwhile, heavy traffic was reported along the main road and people were being immediately evacuated from the area.

The Health Ministry said all the hospitals around the location of the fire stand ready to face any crisis situation.

19.45

People in Hanwella and Pugoda areas asked to evacuate

People in the Hanwella and Pugoda areas were asked to leave as soon as possible as pieces of heavy artillery guns were falling on the ground, police said.

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Comments - 27

CitizenPerera Monday, 06 June 2016 06:02 AM

Will Ranil call for an inquiry to check if this explosion is pre meditated to coincide with President's trip to China.

Ravi4312 Monday, 06 June 2016 09:36 AM

My Dear Citizen now time to buy new weapons we got IMF support .....

Behind Monday, 06 June 2016 09:30 AM

Behind it or not - one could be sure that they would be not much sorry about this matter

dulanka Monday, 06 June 2016 09:12 AM

Wrong. In reality a big ammo dump is the biggest investment towards peace and prosperity. If not we'll be having not only terrorists like LTTE or ISIS, but every tom dick and Happy eying SL

M.O.Daya Monday, 06 June 2016 09:00 AM

Then you were nowhere near the war. Don't jump to conclusions. Let us hope and pray that valuable lives are not lost. Later you can ask whether it was the yahapalana or the JO palana. Love your country first.

mal Monday, 06 June 2016 08:43 AM

Aiyo in backtion?

waco Monday, 06 June 2016 08:20 AM

May have died a natural death.

Jacoob Monday, 06 June 2016 08:12 AM

We are all pretty sure that the govt is capable of solving this crisis in a "humanitarian" way.

waco Monday, 06 June 2016 08:02 AM

Similar incident took place in India few days ago.

commis ki.gs Monday, 06 June 2016 07:33 AM

Who did - MR or LTTE or COMMIS KINGS.

ANTON Monday, 06 June 2016 06:58 AM

SEEMS SECURITY FORCES ALSO NEED ADDITIONAL SECURITY.......

Leo Monday, 06 June 2016 06:25 AM

Good move to immediately evacuate close resdence and protection for the evacuated houses. Really great move. via DM Android App

Sunil Monday, 06 June 2016 06:11 AM

We need a very efficient person like our Finance Minister (HE Ravi) to run defence in the country.

Leo Monday, 06 June 2016 06:07 AM

Hope the investigations will prove fire due to an electrical fault or something of sought and not issues like sabotage. via DM Android App

Nalin Sunday, 05 June 2016 06:54 PM

Even during the height of the war no such explosion took place. we know what happens in yahapalana government.

SL Monday, 06 June 2016 05:23 AM

yeah yeah.LTTE collection is accelerated these days.

Lal Monday, 06 June 2016 04:57 AM

The army should be blamed for not taking proper protective actions

Lal Monday, 06 June 2016 04:56 AM

There was a similar fire in a smaller storehouse a few years ago!

Nelum Monday, 06 June 2016 04:36 AM

Let's wait till the president reads the news in the paper. Perhaps he will appoint a commission.

sara Monday, 06 June 2016 03:37 AM

Who is getting ready to go on an arms purchasing spree? Earn a good commission??

sss Sunday, 05 June 2016 10:13 PM

and you are blaming whom? Power come with responsibility

Suresh Sunday, 05 June 2016 10:11 PM

It seems an accident which can happen any where any time....it's sad it's people who will suffer..We don't need these ammunitions any more, let's create the future fight with words, not by arms.Let's convert all these army camps into factories...

Dandy Sunday, 05 June 2016 10:08 PM

Never knew that private sector controlled these.

Nihal Sunday, 05 June 2016 09:53 PM

What a shame! Nobody will be held responsible. All will live happily and we the m/assess will pay for the loss.

Sirisenaya Wageniya Sunday, 05 June 2016 09:37 PM

Where is this buffalo citizen now?

curiousity Sunday, 05 June 2016 07:42 PM

just curious. wonder how many people will blame this on the government via DM iOS App

Kent Sunday, 05 June 2016 07:31 PM

Joint opposition is behind this. No doubt

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Fire breaks out at army ammunition depot at Salawa

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