Nearly 140 killed, 500 injured in explosions at Sri Lanka churches and hotels

Blasts went off at three churches packed with worshipers for Easter Sunday

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – Nearly 140 people were killed, and 500 others injured, after a series of explosions across the Sri Lankan city of Colombo and the surrounding towns.

UPDATE: Sri Lanka blasts: More than 200 dead in church and hotel bombings

Blasts went off at three churches packed with worshipers for Easter Sunday, nearly simultaneously, according to local authorities. 

At around the same time, a series of three explosions were reported at hotels in the area. Police say the hotels are primarily used by tourists, but there is no confirmation that any Americans were hurt or killed in the blasts.

 

The explosions were reported at the following churches and hotels:

  • St. Anthony's Shrine - Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • St. Sebastian's Church - Negombo, Sri Lanka
  • St. Mary's Cathedral - Thandavanveli, Sri Lanka
  • Shangri-La Hotel - Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Cinnamon Grand Hotel - Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Kingsbury Hotel - Colombo, Sri Lanka

 

Right now, police believe at least two of the blasts were caused by suicide bombers.

The Sri Lankan government has imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. local time for the next two days.

Check back with Local 4 as this story continues to develop.Â