6TH LEAD

Bomb explosion in Colombo suburb, 18 killed, 40 wounded

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 28 November 2007, 12:55 GMT]
A big explosion has been reported in a clothing emporium, No Limit, at Nugegoda, a shopping suburb of Sri Lanka's capital Colombo, Wednesday around 6:00 p.m. Eighteen persons were killed and 40 wounded have been rushed to Kalubowila hospital, according to the police. A parcel bomb, placed inside the counter, has caused the explosion, according to the latest reports by the police.

Earlier, the Police said, there was a human-bomb female attacker who blew herself up when stopped at the security post. They also suspected that a bomb-fitted three-wheeler had hit the building.

Eyewitnesses said it was a huge explosion, with smoke and fire, causing damage to the building.

Most of the victims rushed to hospitals have sustained severe burn injuries, medical sources said.

Five casualties, among them one policeman and a young school girl, were brought to Colombo hospital.

The explosion has taken place near the Bo tree junction.

Nugegoda, located 8 km southeast of Colombo city, is situated in Mirihana police division.