Air Force puts off fire at leprosy hospital in Manthivu

Rafik Jalaldeen and M.I Farook

A major fire broke out at the Manthivu island in Batticaloa yesterday morning. The Air Force engaged in the rescue mission controlled the fire and airlifted 13 patients and staff of the leprosy hospital to safety.

Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said the Air Force base in Batticaloa observed a major fire in the Manthivu island around 6.00 a.m. yesterday.

"Airmen rushed to the location and rescued and airlifted 13 people including patients and staff of the leprosy hospital from Manthivu to the Batticaloa hospital," he added.

The leprosy hospital and a few buildings in the vicinity were affected by the fire.