Three dead in explosion at fireworks factory

Three persons died following an explosion and a subsequent fire that erupted at a shed of a fireworks factory in Kimbulapitiya, Katana.

Police said that the explosion occurred at around 11.20am today and that 3 workers at the factory succumbed to injuries after being admitted to the Negombo Hospital with severe burns.

The remains have been placed at the mortuary of the hospital while the identities of the deceased have not been ascertained yet. 

A building in the factory was destroyed by the fire which followed the explosion while the total damages has not been estimated as of yet.