Ammo dump fire under control-military

The fire, that was completely destroyed one of the main ammunition depots of the Sri Lanka Army at the Kosgama Army camp, has been brought under control, military announced today.

Military spokesman Brig. Jayanath Jayaweera said the fire has been brought under control, but said small explosions were still happening. “Those explosions are not harmful and are happening inside the dump,” he said.

At least one soldier was killed and 47 others most of them were civilians were injured due to the incident, hospital sources said. Thousands of area people were evacuated soon after the explosion started at the dump as precautionary measures. 

Brig. Jayaweera said that those living beyond 1 kilometres from the camp can return now to their houses. “Those living within one kilometer from the camp will have to wait until the troops clear the area,” he said.

“The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained,” he said.