Over 60 killed in Sri Lanka depot blast: military

More than 60 people, many of them policemen, were feared killed when two containers full of dynamite exploded outside a police station near Batticaloa, some 260 km east of Colombo. Among those killed were two Chinese nationals, reports said. The containers full of explosives were parked inside the premises of the Karadiyanaru police station and were to be used for renovating roads in the area.

Police spokesperson, P Jayakody said at least 25 people were instantly killed when the explosion occurred around 11-30 in the morning.

Military spokesperson, Major General U Medawala told reporters that he had information that at least 60 were killed. Many died on the way to hospital.

"First, one container accidentally exploded. The first explosion triggered the second one. There were at least 50 policemen inside the premises at that time," Jayakody said.

More than 30 injured were rushed to the Batticaloa general hospital where many are said to be critical.
Initial investigations ruled out foul play. "No…no…this was an accident," Jayakody said.