The blasts, reported to have occurred at churches in Kochchikade, Negombo and Batticaloa, targeted worshippers as they attended Easter services. Additional blasts ripped through three hotels, the Shangri La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury Hotel, all in the capital, Colombo, according to state broadcaster SLRC.
At least nine foreigners are among at least 50 dead at the Colombo National Hospital following the explosions, according to hospital sources. In total, more than 260 people injured in the blasts have been admitted to the hospital in the wake of the attack.
More than 35 people were injured in the explosion at Katuwapitiya Church in Negombo, while more than 300 people have been hospitalized following the blast at the Zion Church in Batticaloa.
The death toll was expected to rise further.
Sri Lankan security officials said police and security services immediately rushed to all affected areas and sealed off the churches and hotels.
In a statement, the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo said that the hotel's Table One cafe was hit just after 9 a.m local time. The hotel is popular with foreign tourists and the country's business community.
"We are working closely with local authorities and emergency services to provide our fullest assistance and support to the affected staff and guests," said the hotel.
Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe condemned blasts.
"I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today. I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong," he said on Twitter. "The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation."
There have been "many casualties including foreigners," tweeted Sri Lankan lawmaker Harsha de Silva.
"Horrible scenes, I saw many body parts strewn all over," de Silva said after visiting the Kochchikade church and Shangri-La Hotel in Kingsbury, Colombo.
Rescue operations are underway, said de Silva, adding that emergency crews are at the scenes operating in "full force."
De Silva said the heads of the Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force have convened for an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and multiple other ministers in the cabinet.
The Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Foreign Affairs were also present, according to de Silva's tweet.
"All necessary emergency steps taken by Gov of Sri Lanka. Soon official statement will be issued."
This is a developing story.
https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/21/asia/sri-lanka-explosions/index.html
2019-04-21 08:03:00Z
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