Father, daughter die in Galenbindunuwewa house fire; four injured

 

Two people, including a 13-year-old girl, were killed and four others injured after a house was set on fire following a family dispute in Galenbindunuwewa, Anuradhapura, police said.

The incident occurred around 2.00 a.m. today (06) in the Padikaramaduwa area of Nuwaragam Colony. Police said a 43-year-old man allegedly set fire to his own house using petrol, killing himself and his daughter, who were trapped inside and died at the scene.

The man’s wife, two children and mother-in-law sustained burn injuries and were admitted to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital. The injured include the 36-year-old wife, a 15-year-old daughter, a 20-year-old son and a 66-year-old mother-in-law.

Police said the son was not inside the house at the time of the fire but was injured while attempting to rescue his family members.

Investigations have revealed that the suspect was a habitual alcohol consumer and that there had been repeated domestic disputes, with several complaints previously made to the Galenbindunuwewa Police.

Police are continuing investigations into the incident.