20 dead, hundreds injured as explosions hit Sri Lankan churches and hotels

20 dead, hundreds injured as explosions hit Sri Lankan churches and hotels

Author : Published:

Updated

April 21, 2019 16:01:03

More than 20 people have been killed and some 300 injured in a series of explosions at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.

The death toll was confirmed by the director of Colombo’s National Hospital.

The attacks hit three churches — St Anthony’s in Colombo, St Sebastian’s in Negombo, north of the capital, and another in the town of Batticaloa — during Easter Sunday services.

Men in military uniforms armed with guns stand in front of a church building, with ambulances stationed out the front.
Photo:
Soldiers stationed outside St Anthony’s Shrine following the blast. (Reuters: Dinuka Liyanawatte)

Three separate explosions were also reported at the Shangri La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury hotels in the centre of Colombo.

Alex Agileson, who was near St Anthony’s Church, said buildings in the surrounding area shook with the blast.

St Sebastian’s Church posted pictures of destruction inside the church on its Facebook page, showing blood on pews and the floor, and requested help from the public.

There were no immediate claims of responsibility.

More to come.

An empty building with a debris strewn across the floor.
Photo:
Sri Lanka was rocked by a series of coordinated explosions on Easter Sunday. (Facebook: St. Sebastian’s Church – Waga, Sri Lanka)

Topics:

terrorism,

sri-lanka

First posted

April 21, 2019 15:00:15

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