Nov 16, Colombo: At least two people have been killed and another 11 have been admitted to the hospital today after inhaling a noxious gas at the Sapugaskanda oil refinery.

Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director of the Colombo National Hospital said there were no external injuries on the persons dead or admitted and it appears to be due to the inhalation of a toxic gas.

Reportedly the workers who were repairing a leaking pipeline at the refinery have come under the effects of the leaking gas. Some workers are being treated at the medical facility within the refinery premises.

The authorities said the leak had occurred on a pipeline currently under repair and asserted that the leakage is completely due to an accident and not an act of sabotage.