Vavuniya home destroyed after petrol used to light oil lamp

• Homeowner had stored a large quantity of petrol at the house, fearing a possible fuel shortage 

By Romesh Madusanka   

A devastating fire broke out at a residence in Vavuniya after petrol was mistakenly used to light an oil lamp in the household shrine room, authorities said.   

Investigations revealed that the homeowner had stored a large quantity of petrol at the house, fearing a possible fuel shortage due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The fire quickly spread as the stored petrol ignited, engulfing the entire house in flames.   

All household items and property were completely destroyed in the blaze. Fortunately, the residents managed to flee the house in time and escaped without injury. 

The Vavuniya Municipal Fire Brigade, alerted by the Vavuniya Police, rushed to the scene and eventually brought the fire under control. 

However, by the time the flames were extinguished, the house had suffered extensive damage. Police are continuing their investigations into the incident.