One dead, five injured in Kandy fire

KANDY: One man died and five were injured when a major fire broke out at the D.S. Senanayake Library complex near the Kandy Market last night destroying most of its volumes and other equipment.

One of the building of the complex housing the bulk of volumes was completely destroyed while the public succeeded in salvaging some of the books in the other building.

The fire occurred during a musical show at the Library Auditorium at around 8.35 pm.

Thick smoke billowed into the night skies as Police and Fire brigade battled to douse the flames.

According to police, the fire had originated from the stage curtains at the auditorium during the musical show. Chaos reigned as participants ran helter skelter as the flames caught up and expanded. The fire was eventually brought under control at around 9.30 pm.

The overall damage to the Library including the books is believed to run into millions of rupees.

Security was stepped in the Kandy city in the immediate aftermath of the fire.