Factory chemical leak causes foul-smelling smoke cover in Homagama

• Similar incident occurred at the same factory last August

By Buddhika Kumarasiri  

A smoke with an obnoxious smell had broken out from a  factory in Katuwana Investment Zone in Homgama and it was brought under  control by the Fire Brigade of Sri Jayawardenepura –Kotte Municipal  Council.  

Homagama Police said a fire broke out in the same factory last August due to a chemical leak, and it resulted in a similar smoke.  

The area damaged by fire was being cleared with machinery yesterday.  

Investigations revealed that a leak in underground tanks of  chemicals due to damage caused by machinery had resulted in the  eruption of the smoke when the chemicals mixed with stormwater during  the heavy rain experienced in the area the previous night.  

Police had taken steps to close the main access road to the  investment zone and advised the people entering the area to wear face  masks until the situation was back to normal.