Seven Injured in Explosion at Polonnaruwa National Kidney Hospital

Seven people were injured following an explosion in the kitchen premises of the Polonnaruwa National Kidney (Nephrology) Hospital at around 4:00 a.m. today (26).

The injured were admitted to Polonnaruwa General Hospital, with three reportedly in serious condition. The three critically injured individuals have been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The explosion is suspected to have been caused by a gas cylinder following a gas leak in the hospital’s main kitchen. The blast also caused severe damage to several nearby buildings.

Two police teams have been deployed to investigate the incident, while further inquiries are underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa is scheduled to visit the hospital to assess the situation. Deputy Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply T.B. Sarath also visited the hospital following the incident and said immediate measures would be taken to restore the damaged area.

Arrangements have been made to transfer inpatients to Polonnaruwa General Hospital as a precautionary measure. No patients were injured in the explosion.