Lankan killed in Iraq fire

16 July 2010 08:43 am - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A Sri Lankan was among 40 people killed in a hotel fire in northern Iraq, the chairman of the company he worked for told AFP today. He was working for a Telecommunications company in iraq.

"We lost four engineers from our company, one of them a woman from the Philippines, and three of them men from Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Iraq," said Faruk Mula Mustafa, chairman of telecoms operator Asiacell.

Meanwhile Reuters reported that the fire was not a terrorist act and the cause was under investigation. The fire, at the Soma Hotel in the central area of the city, began late on Thursday and raged out of control for several hours. At least three of the victims died jumping from the third floor to escape the flames, an official said.

"Most of the people who were killed were choked because of the smoke. They could not get out," said Dr. Reqot Hama-Rasheed, head of the health department in the city.

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Comments - 8

nilan sandeepa Saturday, 17 July 2010 09:59 AM

we will all miss u "Gala" may yr soul Rest In Peace! All ANANDIANS WILL MISS U!!!

Fazal Khaffar Friday, 16 July 2010 05:33 PM

The Sri Lankan who passed away, is an engineering graduate from the University of Moratuwa (A/L batch '99) - he was my batch-mate and roommate ... So long, 'Gala' (Mahesh Galhena)!

citizen Friday, 16 July 2010 09:06 AM

Oh!!! What a sad news!

Gayan Samarasekara Friday, 16 July 2010 09:18 AM

We are sorry for all the killed people. It seems that the time has come to appoint an advisory panel for UN chief regarding American misconduct in the middle east, too late though..

Palitha Heenthotuwa Saturday, 17 July 2010 04:22 AM

"Soma Hotel" that is next to "Hema Hotel".

Sounds like both hotels are Sri Lankan owned or operated.

ishan Saturday, 17 July 2010 05:53 AM

Yes Khaffar......We miss him a lot...wonderful person....May he attain peace and evelasting love
-Ishan Ayantha

dagobert Saturday, 17 July 2010 05:57 AM

Fazal Khaffar.... Thanks for the information.
May Mahesh Galhena's soul rest in peace.

Chamila Monday, 19 July 2010 03:14 AM

May you rest in peace friend!

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Lankan killed in Iraq fire

Comments - 8

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