Sri Lanka blasts: At least 152 dead, more than 560 injured in multiple church and hotel explosions during Easter services
An eighth bomb blast has rocked Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, making it a string of terrorist attack. The death toll from previous six blasts has been reported to have risen to 152 with more than 560 injured.
8th Explosion was reported at Mahawila Udayana Road Housing Scheme in Dematagoda.
Seven bomb blasts were reported earlier. Three churches in Negombo, Batticaloa and Colombo’s Kochchikade district have been targeted during Easter services.
The government has declared curfew with immediate effect until further notice. Access to major social media, messaging services have also been shut down, reports News Agency.
Earlier it was reported that at least 138 people have been killed and hundreds more injured in multiple explosions at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, according to the police and hospital sources.
The Shangri-La, Kingsbury, Cinnamon Grand, and a fourth hotel, all in Colombo, were also hit.
The number of casualties is feared to rise in the result of multiple terrorist attacks. No group has yet said it was responsible for the attacks.
The St Sebastian’s church in Negombo was severely damaged. The images being circulated on social media explains the devastation.
There were also heavy casualties reported at the site of the first blast in St Anthony’s, a hugely popular shrine in Kochchikade, a district of Colombo.
Police have told people to stay inside their houses and remain calm, fearing for more attacks.
Sri Lanka’s defense and military officials have decided to impose a curfew nationwide. according to state minister of defense Ruwan Wijewardene: We have taken all the necessary precautions to keep this country safe and the people safe. We believe that all the culprits who have been involved in this unfortunate terrorist incident will be taken into custody as soon as possible. They have been identified, and they will be taken into custody as soon as possible.
The Pakistani High Commission in Colombo has issued the numbers of helplines for people who want to inquire about their family members in the city.
Explosions and blast have been reported at Colombo & Batticoala causing many causalities.
We are watching the situation carefully.
Any Pakistan needing any help / assistance may contact following phone numbers.
0112055681
0112055682
0767773750— Pakistan High Commission Sri Lanka (@PakinSriLanka) April 21, 2019
Sri Lankan airlines have advised people to arrive at the airport early. This advice was issued before the curfew was announced.
Passengers should report to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) four hours before flights – 21st April 2019 ! pic.twitter.com/kP675HdDPZ
— . (@flysrilankan) April 21, 2019
The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka has also mourned “the loss of innocent lives due to extremist and violent elements who wish to create divide”.
— Meera Srinivasan (@Meerasrini) April 21, 2019
