A minor explosion is reported to have occurred at a scrap metal factory in Suduwella, Madampe this morning.

Madampe police stated that this blast occurred in one of the furnaces. The workmen comprising Indians and Sri Lankans confirmed that they had heard the blasts at six intervals however, there were no casualties reported.

Foundry authorities claimed that the blasts had caused them a loss of about Rs. 30 million. Media personnel who visited the site were prevented from taking any pictures.

It was reported that this type of explosion had also occurred previously, and an Indian national injured at the time was sent back to his country.
Live explosives had earlier been detected among the scrap in the workshop and diffused by the army. Recently, parts of T-56 firearms were also discovered by police.

Whether the blast was initiated by a bomb exploding or any other reason has not been ascertained yet. Meanwhile, the management stated that it could have been due to the presence of oil in motor spare parts that were brought in bulk, which could have sparked the fire.

The workers meanwhile, expressed the fear of constant blasts occurring in the factory, posing a serious threat to their lives.
(News and video Jude Samantha)
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