Sri Lanka Blasts in pictures: Deaths, destruction, mourning as multiple explosions ruin Easter Sunday

Sri Lanka Blasts in pictures: Deaths, destruction, mourning as multiple explosions ruin Easter Sunday

At least 101 people were killed and as many as 500 others injured as multiple blasts hit churches in Sri Lanka during Easter services on Sunday. The first blast was reported from St Anthony’s Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, and the second from St. Sebastian’s Church at Katuwapitiya in Negombo. "Six near simultaneous blasts hit three churches and three hotels frequented by tourists in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, injuring nearly 300 people," officials and police said. (Photo: Twitter)

Sri Lanka Blasts in pictures: Deaths, destruction, mourning as multiple explosions ruin Easter Sunday

The blasts occurred at around 8.45 a.m. (local time) as the Easter Sunday masses were in progress in churches. (Photo: Twitter)

Sri Lanka Blasts in pictures: Deaths, destruction, mourning as multiple explosions ruin Easter Sunday

At least six explosions have been reported. Three churches in Kochchikade, Negombo and Batticaloa were targeted. The Shangri La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury hotels, all in Colombo, were also hit. (Photo: Twitter)

Sri Lanka Blasts in pictures: Deaths, destruction, mourning as multiple explosions ruin Easter Sunday

Three five-star hotels from where the blasts were reported are the Shangrila, the Cinnamon Grand, and the Kingsbury. (Photo: Twitter)

Sri Lanka Blasts in pictures: Deaths, destruction, mourning as multiple explosions ruin Easter Sunday

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is going to hold an emergency meeting shortly. (Photo: Twitter)

Sri Lanka Blasts in pictures: Deaths, destruction, mourning as multiple explosions ruin Easter Sunday

EAM Sushma Swaraj on multiple blasts in Srilanka: I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. (Photo: Twitter)