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  6.  » Sri Lanka explosions kill 138 in six bombings targeting hotels and churches

Sam Rkaina – The Mirror April 21, 2019

Three churches and three five star hotels in Sri Lanka have been hit by explosions on Easter Sunday, reportedly killing 138 people and injuring up to 500 more.

The church blasts reportedly went off during Easter services in and around the island nation’s capital Colombo. At least nine foreigners are among those killed.

Graphic images and footage shared on social media show the scale of the devastation following this morning’s deadly blasts, which went off at around 8.45am local time.

One of the explosions was at St Anthony’s Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, with another place of worship hit in Negombo, which is north of the city.

Three five star hotels have reportedly been struck by blasts; the Shangrila, the Cinnamon Grand, and the Kingsbury.

Colombo National hospital said wounded had been brought in for treatment.

St. Sebastian’s church at Katuwapitiya in Negombo 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.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is due to take part in an emergency meeting following the explosions, according to reports.

A source in the police bomb squad said that one of the explosions was at St Anthony’s Church in Kochcikade, Colombo.

“Our people are engaged in evacuating the casualties,” the source said.

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

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