DNA tests underway to confirm identities of victims in Homagama factory fire

Authorities have begun DNA testing to formally identify the five employees who were killed in the devastating fire that swept through a helmet manufacturing factory at the Katuwana Industrial Estate in Homagama, after the victims’ bodies were severely charred.   

The five victims were killed after the fire broke out at the factory yesterday while around 80 employees were inside the premises. The victims were trapped on the upper floor of the building and died due to severe burn injuries.   

The deceased have been identified as Sachith Dilshan, Dilip Dilanka, Sahan Udara, Mario Edward, and B. Damayanthi. However, due to the extent of the burns, authorities have initiated DNA testing to confirm their identities.   

Relatives of the deceased visited the Homagama Base Hospital to provide DNA samples required for the identification process.   

The Homagama Police have informed the Homagama Magistrate’s Court regarding the incident, while investigations into the cause of the fire are underway.