A 21-year-old woman has died while nine others have sustained injuries after a group of unidentified persons had reportedly set fire to a house at Thonikkal in Vavuniya.

The deceased has been identified as a resident of Omanthai in Vavuniya. Among the injured are, a two-year-old boy, two 13-year-old girls, four females between the ages 19 and 41, and also a 42-year-old male, all of whom are from the Thonikkal area, according to the Police. In addition, a 36-year-old resident of Omanthai who sustained injuries in the incident is also receiving treatment at the Vavuniya General Hospital.

Police officers have been dispatched to the location based on information received via the 119 emergency hotline, while the fire was brought under control with the assistance of firefighters from the Vavuniya Urban Council’s fire brigade as well as residents of the area.

It is reported that a birthday party was being held at the residence in question when it was set ablaze by a group of individuals in the early hours of yesterday (23). Based on CCTV footage, it has been uncovered that the suspects were wearing masks to conceal their identities. The Vavuniya Police is conducting further investigations into the incident.