One reported dead while distilling illicit liquor in Sammanthurai

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sammanthurai Police have launched a special investigation into the death of a 53-year-old following an explosion while distilling illicit liquor, Sri Lanka Police said. "A 53-year-old individual was killed and another had sustained injuries, during an explosion that occurred yesterday morning (Jun. 11), while distilling illicit liquor in the Malwatta area in Sammanthurai," Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana told News 1st on Saturday (Jun. 12). The one who sustained injuries in the incident is receiving treatment. Upon conducting investigations into the incident and information had to come to light the duo was distilling illicit liquor when a barrel had exploded, killing one, the Deputy Police Chief noted. Accordingly, Police had presented facts to the Sammanthurai Magistrate's Court and the court has ordered that a magisterial inquest and a post-mortem examination be conducted in respect of the incident. The body is lying at the Sammanthurai Hospital and the post-mortem will be conducted on Saturday (12), DIG Ajith Rohana added. Moreover, Scene of Crime Officers of Police have visited the scene to collect scientific evidence and the police are expecting to obtain expert opinions in respect of the explosion. Further investigations are underway.