Chinese Team to Assist Probe into Polonnaruwa Nephrology Hospital Explosion

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena says A team of Chinese professionals is expected to be brought in to assist with investigations into the explosion at the Polonnaruwa National Nephrology Hospital. 

The Director General of Health Services said arrangements are also being made to inform the Chinese Government about the incident through the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka.

Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said a separate ministry-level investigation has also been launched into the explosion.

The explosion occurred at around 4 a.m. the day before yesterday in the kitchen of the Polonnaruwa National Nephrology Hospital.

Police suspect that a gas leak may have caused the explosion.

The blast caused extensive damage to the hospital’s main kitchen and several nearby buildings.

Seven hospital employees were injured in the incident and admitted to hospital, while one of those in critical condition later died.

The deceased was a 36-year-old resident of the Habarana area.