(From AFP)

Flying shrapnel triggered by explosions at an ammunition depot on the edge of Sri Lanka’s capital destroyed a hospital and hundreds of homes, sending thousands scrambling for cover, authorities said on Monday.

Explosions ripped through a key military ammunition depot just outside Sri Lanka's capital on June 5
Explosions ripped through a key military ammunition depot just outside Sri Lanka’s capital on June 5

At least one soldier burnt to death in the worst ammunition depot fire in Sri Lanka’s history and nearly 50 people were treated for injuries or smoke inhalation, Colombo medical chief Palitha Mahipala said.

The fire was extinguished around 12 hours after it started on Sunday evening at the Salawa military complex, setting off explosions that went on through the night.

“The fire has been put out, but still there are intermittent explosions,” army spokesman Jayanath Jayaweera said. Read More

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