A team of Chinese professionals is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka to assist with investigations into the explosion at the Polonnaruwa National Nephrology Hospital, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena said.
Dr. Gunawardena said arrangements are also being made to formally inform the Chinese Government about the incident through the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said a separate ministry-level investigation has also been launched into the explosion.
The blast occurred at around 4 a.m. two days ago in the kitchen of the Polonnaruwa National Nephrology Hospital.
Police have launched an investigation and suspect that a gas leak may have caused the explosion.
The blast caused extensive damage to the hospital’s main kitchen and several nearby buildings.
Seven hospital employees were injured in the incident and admitted to hospital. One of the injured employees, who was reportedly in critical condition, later succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased has been identified as a 36-year-old resident of the Habarana area.
Investigations are continuing to determine the exact cause of the explosion and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
