Sri Lanka church bomb blasts live updates: At least six explosions were reported from three churches and three hotels on Easter Sunday.Sri Lanka Church Bomb Blast Today LIVE News Updates: At least 49 people were killed and 280 injured after simultaneous blasts rocked Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. At least six explosions were reported from three churches and three hotels frequented by tourists, reported The Associated Press. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will hold an emergency meeting shortly.
The first blast was reported from St Anthony’s Church in Kochcikade in Colombo, the second from St Sebastian’s Church at Katuwapitiya in Negombo and third from a church in Batticaloa. Three five-star hotels from where the blasts were reported are the Shangrila, the Cinnamon Grand, and the Kingsbury. The blasts occurred at around 8.45 am (local time) as Easter Sunday masses were in progress.
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted that she is in constant touch with the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo and is keeping a close watch on the situation.
Airport locked down, reports local media
Local media MTVLive News reported that as an aftermath of the multiple bombings, authorities have locked down Sri Lanka's airport and said only passengers will be allowed inside the airport building with immediate effect until further notice.
Death toll mounts to 49
At least 49 people were killed in the blast, reported Reuters.
280 injured in blasts in 3 churches, 3 hotels in Sri Lanka
Six near simultaneous blasts hit three churches and three hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, injuring around 280 people, officials and police said. (PTI)
Constantly in touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo: Sushma Swaraj
Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj said she is constantly in touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo.
Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe to participate in emergency meeting
Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to participate in an emergency meeting to be held shortly, reported MDW Live News Network
20 killed, 160 injured in multiple blasts: Police
According to police, at least 20 killed, 160 injured in multiple blasts in Sri Lanka, reported Reuters.
Rescue operation in progress: Police bomb squad
A source in the police bomb squad said rescue operation is in progress. "Our people are engaged in evacuating the casualties," the source said.
Two hotels in Colombo hit by explosions
Sources from two leading tourist hotels in Colombo also confirmed the explosions but did not give any details, Reuters reported.
80 injured admitted to Colombo National Hospital
The Colombo National Hospital said at least 80 people have been admitted with injuries, reported PTI.
One blast in St Anthony's Church in Colombo
According to PTI, one of the blasts hit St Anthony's Church in Kochchikade of the capital, Colombo.