COLOMBO, June 4 -- The death toll from the devastating fire that engulfed an elderly care home in Horana on Wednesday (3) has risen to 11, while three residents remain unaccounted for, police said as search and recovery operations continued.

The blaze broke out at an elders' care facility in the Galpatha area of Horana, where 72 residents were staying at the time of the incident, triggering a major rescue effort involving firefighters, police, emergency responders and local residents.

Police said 44 residents were rescued without injury, while seven others who sustained injuries were admitted to the Horana District Hospital for treatment.

Authorities initially reported 11 residents missing in the aftermath of the fire. Subsequent searc...