20 people were killed and injured as a result of a fire that broke out in a nursing home in western Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan police announced on Thursday that 12 people were killed and eight others were injured as a result of a fire that broke out in a nursing home in western Sri Lanka.

Police spokesman, Frederick Wotler, said that the fire broke out late yesterday evening, Wednesday, inside the nursing home located in the town of Angorawatta.

Wotler added that 51 residents of the home were rescued.

The authorities announced the arrest of the director of the care home on suspicion of causing the deaths as a result of negligence, while an investigation is underway to determine the causes and circumstances of the fire.

Associated Press video footage showed the building engulfed in flames, with the furniture and equipment inside charred.

Local TV channel “Hero” broadcast images of firefighters, police and residents trying to control the massive fire.

Police and army personnel helped survivors residing in the home to board buses to take them to a safe place.