Explosions hit churches and hotels during Easter service in Colombo
At least 52 people were killed and nearly 300 others were injured after multiple explosions rocked Colombo and other parts of Sri Lanka early on Sunday. The incident was reported during Easter mass service, while the place was crowded with worshippers, officials and police said.
According to police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera, the blasts occurred at around 8.45 a.m. (local time) as the Easter Sunday masses were in progress.
The blasts hit three high-end hotels and one church in Colombo, while two additional churches are targeted outside the capital, police said.
One of the blasts hit St Anthony's Church in Kochchikade of the capital, Colombo.
"A bomb attack to our church, please come and help," read a Facebook post from St Sebasitian's Church at Katuwapitiutya, in the Western coastal town of Negombo.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter and said the situation in Colombo is being monitored closely.
"I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation," the EAM wrote on Twitter.
Colombo - I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. @IndiainSL
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 21, 2019
An eyewitness, Alex Agileson, who was in the vicinity, said buildings in the surrounding area shook with the blast. He said a number of injured were carried in ambulances.
Information available on the official Twitter handle of Yudhanjaya Wijeratne said explosions have been reported at Cinnamon, Shangri-La, Kochchikade church.
URGENT: Explosions at:
— Yudhanjaya Wijeratne 🌀 (@yudhanjaya) April 21, 2019
Cinnamon
Shangri-La
Kochchikade church
And a blast reported at St. Sebastian's - can anyone confirm?
STAY AWAY. IF YOU'RE IN COLOMBO, STAY AT HOME.
A total of six blasts at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, news agency AFP reported.
Sri Lankan security officials said they were checking for details. Police immediately rushed to both areas and sealed off the churches.
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