Sri Lanka is reeling after a series of explosions ripped through churches and hotels across the nation, killing more than 200 people and wounding at least 450.
Powerful explosions struck in quick succession at three hotels in the capital Colombo. The Cinnamon Grand was hit at around 8:30am, and the high-end Shangri-La soon after at 9:05 am. Three churches were also targeted in that wave of blasts: Colombo's historic St Anthony's Shrine, the St Sebastian's church in the town of Negombo - north of the capital - and the Zion Church in the east-coast town of Batticaloa.
Hours later, there were two more blasts - one of them at another Colombo hotel. At least two of the eight were carried out by suicide bombers, according to police sources and a hotel official.AAPThe blasts hit the churches when they were full of worshippers gathered for Easter services. An AFP photographer saw bodies and debris lying on the floor at St Anthony's.By Sunday evening, the toll stood at 207 dead and 450 people injured.
Police said 35 foreigners were among the dead, including British, Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese and American citizens, with the US and Britain later confirming their nationals were killed. Police cordon off the area after a explosion hit at St Anthony's Church in Kochchikade in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 21 April 2019.Hospital sources also said British, Dutch and American citizens were among those killed, with Britons and Japanese also injured.A Portuguese man also died, according to the Iberian nation's LUSA news agency.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sri Lanka bombings LIVE: 207 killed in Easter Catholic church explosions, 450 injuredAt least 207 people are dead after eight separate bombings at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
Read more »
Seven suspects arrested over Sri Lanka bombings as death toll surpasses 200Police say a blast at a small hotel opposite Dehiwala Zoo has killed at least two people, while it's understood another explosion occurred in the suburb of Orugodawatta, in the north of the capital. 9News
Read more »
Officials had 'prior information' of Sri Lanka bombings that left over 200 deadSri Lankan authorities confirm they had prior information of an imminent attack on churches up to 10 days before the Easter Sunday suicide bombings.
Read more »
Seven suspects arrested over Sri Lanka bombings as death toll reaches 190St Anthony's Shrine and the three hotels where the blasts took place are in Colombo, and are frequented by foreign tourists. 9News
Read more »
'Devastating': World leaders condemn deadly Sri Lanka blasts on EasterMessages of support and condemnation are pouring in from across the globe following the Sri Lanka attacks.
Read more »
How the bombings at luxury hotels and churches in Sri Lanka unfoldedNo one has claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks at churches and hotels across Sri Lanka that killed people as they attended Easter Sunday services or ate their breakfasts.
Read more »
Death toll reaches 140 after Easter church blasts in Sri LankaThe death toll is set to rise in Sri Lanka after another two explosions across greater Colombo. The government have announced an island-wide curfew.
Read more »
Sri Lanka defence minister orders curfew after Easter Sunday explosions kill scoresSri Lanka is reeling after a series of explosions ripped through churches and hotels across the nation, leaving scores dead and injured.
Read more »
Death toll reaches 138 after Easter church blasts in Sri LankaCALL OUT: Do you know an Australian in Sri Lanka who has been affected by the bombing attacks? We would like to hear from you. Please contact the 9NewsAUS Facebook inbox. Full details: 9News
Read more »
Death toll reaches 138 after Easter church blasts in Sri LankaBREAKING: Prime Minister ScottMorrisonMP addresses the nation after near simultaneous blasts hit three churches and three hotels frequented by tourists in Sri Lanka. At least 150 people are dead: 9News
Read more »
Canberra looking into welfare of Australians after Sri Lanka attacksAustralian government agencies are working to find out if any Australians were caught up in deadly blasts in Sri Lanka.
Read more »