Update: In the Galenbindunuwewa tragedy, the wife also died, becoming the third family member to perish.

Another woman who was hospitalized with severe burn injuries and receiving treatment after a house was set on fire in the Galenbindunuwewa area of Anuradhapura has died. Police say that the number of deaths from this tragedy, which occurred due to a family dispute escalating, has now risen to three.

A resident of Nuwaragam Colony, Padikaramaduwa area, within the Galenbindunuwewa police division, set his house on fire by pouring petrol around 2:00 AM today (06). The 43-year-old head of the household who set the house on fire and his 13-year-old daughter died at the scene due to the fire, while his 36-year-old wife, who was hospitalized with severe burn injuries, passed away a short while ago, Galenbindunuwewa Police confirm.

Hospital sources state that three other individuals injured in this unfortunate incident are currently receiving inpatient treatment at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital. Those receiving treatment are the deceased couple's 15-year-old daughter, 20-year-old son, and the 66-year-old mother of the deceased woman.

Initial investigations have revealed that only the two daughters, the wife, and the wife's mother were in the house when the father set it on fire. It is reported that the 20-year-old son, who arrived at the scene upon hearing about the incident, also sustained burn injuries in his attempt to rescue his mother and sisters who were caught in the fire.

It has been revealed that the person who committed the arson was someone who constantly consumed alcohol and assaulted his wife, and due to ongoing disputes between the couple, complaints had been lodged with the Galenbindunuwewa Police on several previous occasions. It is further reported that the police had intervened and advised both parties on those occasions.