A 36-year-old Healthcare Assistant has died from injuries sustained in this morning’s gas cylinder explosion at the Polonnaruwa Nephrology Hospital.

The explosion occurred around 4:00 a.m. in the hospital kitchen, injuring seven people. Three, including the deceased, were admitted to the ICU of Polonnaruwa General Hospital.

The explosion is suspected to have been caused by a gas cylinder following a gas leak. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause.

The blast also caused extensive damage to several nearby buildings. In-house patients are being transferred to Polonnaruwa General Hospital.