Advertisement

At least 138 dead as synchronised explosions rip through hotels and churches in Sri Lanka

The attacks have caused devastation in Sri Lanka
The attacks have caused devastation in Sri Lanka

At least 138 people have been killed and hundreds more injured after a series of explosions in Sri Lanka.

Six near-simultaneous explosions at churches and hotels have terrorised the public and tourists in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, while two more blasts were reported later in the day.

A security official said the six explosions hit three churches and three hotels frequented by foreign tourists on Easter Sunday.

The official suspected at least two of the blasts were caused by suicide bombers.

It is believed 35 foreigners are among the dead, including British, American and Dutch citizens.

The Sri Lankan Government has declared a curfew will be introduced with immediate effect following the attack. The Government did not announce when it will be lifted.

Sri Lanka’s state-run press has reported that 138 people have died in a series of Easter Sunday blasts targeting three churches and three hotels.
Sri Lanka’s state-run press has reported that 138 people have died in a series of Easter Sunday blasts targeting three churches and three hotels.
Sri Lankan Army soldiers secure the area around St. Anthony’s Shrine after a blast in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, April 21, 2019. Witnesses are reporting two explosions have hit two churches in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, causing casualties among worshippers. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Sri Lankan Army soldiers secure the area around St. Anthony’s Shrine after a blast in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, April 21, 2019. Witnesses are reporting two explosions have hit two churches in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, causing casualties among worshippers. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Explosions struck hotels and churches in Sri Lanka
Explosions struck hotels and churches in Sri Lanka

National Hospital spokesman Dr Samindi Samarakoon says the nearly 300 wounded have been admitted to the capital Colombo’s main hospital alone.

The first blast ripped through St Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo.

A second explosion was reported at St Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, a Catholic majority town north of Colombo.

The Shangri La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury hotels were also targeted in the seemingly synchronised blasts.

Shocking images shared on social media shows shattered windows, collapsed ceilings and blood on the pews at the St Sebastian’s in Negombo.

A shoe of a victim is seen in front of the St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade church after an explosion in Colombo, Sri Lanka April 21, 2019. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte.
A shoe of a victim is seen in front of the St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade church after an explosion in Colombo, Sri Lanka April 21, 2019. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena urged the public to remain calm and allow the authorities to conduct their investigations.

An emergency meeting is to be chaired by PM Ranil Wickremesinghe in the wake of the attacks.

Facebook has activated the ‘mark yourself safe’ tool, a feature used in terror attacks, mass shootings and natural disasters.