Three dead and nine injured in stampede

• People had gathered to collect donations that were being handed out from a residence

Three persons died and another nine others were hospitalised after a stampede occurred near a residence on Jumma Masjid Road, Maligawatte yesterday, when a large number of people had gathered to collect donations. 

According to the Police, the incident had occurred when people had gathered to receive money that was being distributed at the residence. In the ensuing stampede three elderly women had succumbed to their injuries after they were rushed to hospital. Nine other people who were also admitted to the General Hospital are undergoing treatment. 

The Jumma Masjid Road was temporally closed by the Police, preventing anyone from leaving or entering the area. Six suspects were arrested by Maligawatte Police and an investigation into the incident has been launched, Police Spokesman SP Jaliya Senarathne said.