Five individuals have reportedly died after a fire broke out at a helmet manufacturing factory in the Katuwana Industrial Zone, Homagama, earlier today, according to Homagama Police.

The blaze is believed to have erupted during the day, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Firefighters and rescue teams rushed to the scene to bring the fire under control and search the premises.

Police confirmed that five fatalities have been reported as a result of the incident. The identities of the victims have not yet been officially released, and authorities are working to inform their next of kin.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Police and relevant authorities have launched inquiries to determine how the blaze started and whether any safety regulations were breached.